Awards gala set to honour Munster’s finest

MUNSTER rugby chiefs last night unveiled plans for the inaugural Munster Rugby annual awards, in association with the Irish Examiner.

This year’s gala awards function will be held on April 28 at Moran’s Silver Springs Hotel in Cork.

Eleven diverse categories will be honoured, from Munster player and young player of the year to up-and-coming Academy talent, women, referees and clubs.

The Munster branch said only a handful of €3,000 tables of 10 remain — with full payment in advance guaranteeing bookings.

Dress code is formal/black tie, with Mario Rosenstock of Today FM’s Gift Grub fame providing the laughs.

The nominated categories are:

Munster Young Player of the Year

John McCarthy Award for Academy Player of the Year

Hall of Fame

Senior Club of the Year

Junior Club of the Year

Women’s Player of the Year

Referee of the Year

School of the Year

Club Youth Section of the Year

Club Mini Section of the Year.