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.