O’Driscoll named player of the year

MICK O’Driscoll was last night named Munster Player of the Year at the annual provincial awards dinner in Thomond Park, sponsored by the Irish Examiner.

O’Driscoll has been a tower of strength for the province since he made his debut against Leinster at Dooradoyle in 1998. He has now played more than 160 times for the province and 17 times for his country. His value to Munster has rarely been greater than last season when he played in all but one of the team’s matches en route to their Magners League title and more recently when he has proved such an invaluable member of the pack in the ongoing absence of Paul O’Connell.