All set for Munster Rugby Awards

THE NEW Thomond Park Stadium is the venue for the third Munster Rugby Awards, a gala evening that will celebrate both the professional and domestic games in the province.

The prestigious Player of the Year Award will be the highlight of the ceremony that takes place on April 25 and is once again supported by the Irish Examiner.

A sell-out crowd is expected with all funds raised going towards the Munster Rugby Academy.

John Hayes, Paul O’Connell, Niall Ronan and David Wallace have been nominated by their fellow professionals in the squad, and readers of the Irish Examiner will have their opportunity to cast their votes in the coming weeks. The Munster Awards panel of judges will choose the overall winner, taking into account Irish Examiner readers’ votes.

Hayes was the winner of the inaugural award in 2007, while Ronan O’Gara was last year’s recipient.

In total there are 11 award categories honouring a broad spectrum of the game from the young player of the year right through to club and school awards.

The four nominees for the John McCarthy Award for the Academy Player of the Year are Dave Foley, Dave Ryan, Eoghan Grace and Tommy O’Donnell and the winner is chosen by the Munster Rugby Academy Board. The Hall of Fame Award will also be presented; former Ireland legends Tom Kiernan and Paddy Reid are previous recipients of the award.

Tony Leen, sports editor of the Irish Examiner, says the paper is proud to be associated with such a prestigious event: “The Irish Examiner’s continued support for the Munster Rugby Awards is a reflection of our own passion and commitment to rugby at all levels, from international to underage and to the all-important junior ranks.”

Former Munster, Ireland and British and Irish Lion and Irish Examiner rugby columnist Donal Lenihan, will act as MC, while Risteárd Cooper of Après Match fame will provide the evening’s entertainment. The Grand Slam and Triple Crown trophies will also be on display.

Tickets for the event come in gold and silver packages. The Gold Package table of 10 cost €1950 and includes Category A tickets for the Munster-Ospreys Magners League game on the weekend of May 15-17. A Silver Package table of 10 (without tickets) cost €1700 while individual tickets can be purchased for either €195 or €175. Contact Michael O’Brien on 087-2129999.

Complete list of awards: Club Mini Section; Club Youth Section; Junior Club; Senior Club; School of the Year; Women’s Player of the Year; Referee of the Year; Hall of Fame Award; John McCarthy Award; Young Player of the Year; Player of the Year.