Hayes proves a popular choice as Munster’s senior player of the year

NEVER mind that it was the inaugural Munster rugby awards — there will never be a more popular player of the year than prop John Hayes.

Bruff’s gentle giant is no headline-seeker, but the sustained applause which greeted his selection at Cork’s Silver Springs Hotel on Saturday spoke volumes for the esteem in which he is held. The Limerick man said he was honoured to be recognised by his colleagues and the voting public as Munster rugby’s senior player of the year.

The award, in conjunction with the Irish Examiner, was warmly welcomed by the three other short-listed Munster stars who gathered along with 500 guests at the function.

Hayes won over 40% of the public vote, beating off his three colleagues, David Wallace, Shaun Payne and Donncha O’Callaghan.

The quartet are rugby legends in the making — a bona fide version was honoured with the inaugural Hall of Fame award — Tom Kiernan.

The young player of the year award in the province went to Darragh Hurley from Kinsale; while promising Limerick starlet, Keith Earls received the John McCarthy Academy Player of the Year award.

There were celebrations for Douglas RFC (Junior club of the year), Tralee RFC (Youth club) and Sunday’s Well (mini rugby), while Garryowen, who contest the AIB League Division One final against Munster rivals Cork Constitution next Saturday, was named senior club of the year.

Bruff’s George Clancy was honoured as referee of the year, Paula O’Connor is women’s player of the year while Presentation Brothers College was nominated as school of the year.

Munster branch chief, Garret Fitzgerald said that AIB results underlined the strength of rugby at all levels in the province.

Munster coach Declan Kidney and his players, including injured captain Paul O’Connell, arrived fresh from their 15-7 Magners League victory over the Ospreys at Musgrave Park.