Coughlan named Player of the Year

JAMES COUGHLAN was last night named Player of the Year at the Munster Rugby Awards, in association with the Irish Examiner.

The 30-year-old back row, who enjoyed a rare evening off as his team-mates played Connacht at Thomond Park, has been a model of consistency this season. Coughlan, who fought off fellow nominees Doug Howlett, Keith Earls and Ronan O’Gara for the prestigious award, was ever-present during the European campaign and played an influential role in Munster’s march into the Magners League semi-finals.

He also featured prominently in the famous victory over the touring Australians last November and second-row Ian Nagle, the man of the match from that rainy night in Limerick, picked up the Young Player of the Year award at last night’s awards ceremony at Thomond Park.

Scrum-half Conor Murray, a year younger than Nagle at 21, earned the John McCarthy Award for Academy Player of the Year, having made his mark in the senior team during his final season in the development programme, starting in the memorable victories over Leinster and Brive amongst others. Murray had been nominated for the award alongside Dave O’Callaghan, Cathal Sheridan and Mike Sherry.

Tralee, Munster and Ireland flanker Siobhan Fleming won the Women’s Player of the Year award, while Bruff RFC’s feat in winning the All-Ireland Bateman Cup final when beating Dungannon helped to land the Munster Senior Club of the Year award. And there was further kudos for the club when George Clancy was named Referee of the Year.

Tipperary claimed two of the awards last night with Cashel RFC named Junior Club of the Year while Rockwell College picked up the School of the Year award. Ennis RFC were honoured as having the Club Mini Section of the Year, while Waterpark RFC took the Club Youth Section award back to Waterford.

The Hall of Fame award went to Tom Nesdale, a man whose career touched all the high points of Munster Rugby. A second-row, Cork-born Nesdale captained PBC to the Munster Senior Schools Cup in 1952 and played in Garryowen’s Munster Senior Cup victory two years later.

Capped numerous times for Munster, Nesdale played against the 1958 touring Australians on the first visit to Thomond Park by a Wallabies side, helping his province earn a 3-3 draw.

Offering his congratulations to all award winners and nominees “across the spectrum of Munster rugby — from senior to junior to clubs and schools”, Irish Examiner sports editor Tony Leen said: “Organic growth has always been a Munster strength, and it has become even more important against a backdrop of a challenging economic environment and in the face of european rivals with deeper pockets. All associated with Munster Rugby are keenly aware of the necessity of a home-grown production line.”