Cream of Munster crop honoured

Mick O’Driscoll: The lion hearted second-row was chosen ahead of Denis Fogarty, Keith Earls and David Wallace by Irish Examiner readers and was an extremely popular and worthy recipient of this award. Capped 17 times for his country, O’Driscoll’s commitment to Munster has been second to none and his consistent performances throughout the season were typical of his professionalism. He has played more than 160 matches for the province and was a member of the Heineken Cup winning teams in 2006 and ‘08.

ACADEMY PLAYER OF YEAR

(John McCarthy award)

Scott Deasy: The Cork Constitution player, who began his career with Crosshaven and progressed through PBC, has made considerable strides throughout the season highlighted by eight appearances in the Magners League and a Heineken Cup debut against Biarritz. He also helped the Munster A team into the final of the inaugural B & I Cup and Cork Con to a League and Cup double.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Billy Holland: The son of former Irish international and Munster manager, Jerry, who accepted the award on his behalf, Billy has enjoyed an outstanding season playing 13 matches for the province. He made his Munster debut in 2007 and his first appearance in the Heineken Cup in this year’s quarter-final against Northampton.

WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kate O’Loughlin (Clonmel): An outstanding second-row forward, Katge has represented Munster 20 occasions and won five interpro titles. She has also earned 11 Irish caps and is hopes to increase that figure at this summer’s World Cup.

REFEREE OF THE YEAR

Leo Colgan: Leo Colgan impressed when referring the Munster Schools Cup final and has also been in charge of B & I Cup and FIRA Youths games as well as running the line in the Heineken Cup and Magners League.

HALL OF FAME

Jim McCarthy: The legendary Dolphin man was one of the stars of the Irish team that completed the Grand Slam in 1948. He also enjoyed a distinguished career with Munster and led the side against South Africa in 1951 and New Zealand in 1954.

He was also the first player from the province to captain his country in 1954.

SENIOR CLUB OF THE YEAR

Young Munster: The club of Lions Paul O’Connell and Keith Earls crowned a very successful season by winning the Munster Senior Cup on top of the Limerick Charity Cup and gaining promotion to AIL Division 1A.

JUNIOR CLUB OF THE YEAR

Tralee: The club has made remarkable strides in recent seasons and is now in a position to field a number of men’s teams as well as a formidable ladies unit. One of the club’s young stars Danny Barnes has shone for the Munster B & I team on their way to next week’s final in Cornwall.

Club president Leslie Benner accepted the award at last night’s function.

SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Crescent: The Dooradoyle academy crowned a great season by capturing the Munster Schools Junior Cup for the first time in almost 20 years. They also won the Kidney and McCarthy Cups.

CLUB YOUTH AWARD

Waterpark: These have been difficult times for the Waterpark senior side but the future looks bright with 400 youngsters involved every week in age groups from 7 to 19. The club are U17 and U19 Munster champions and have 40 enthusiastic coaches working with the next generation of talent

CLUB MINI AWARDS

Thomond: Teams from 6 to 12 years of age are fielded on a regular basis by the club with youth officer John Airey playing a key role in the development of the game.