O’Mahony, Toner and Trimble shortlisted for IRUPA award

Injured Munster skipper Peter O’Mahony, Leinster lock Devin Toner and Ulster winger Andrew Trimble have been nominated for the Hibernia College IRUPA Player of the Year Award.

The trio have been shortlisted by their peers for their displays in provincial and national colours over the past six months.

IRUPA chairman Rob Kearney said “All awards presented on the night are hugely significant, as there is no higher accolade than being recognised by your peers who you go into battle with each week. The Hibernia College Player of the Year Award is particularly coveted as it represents the one outstanding performer in all of Irish rugby as voted by all fellow players”.

The award is one of ten which will be announced at the sellout ceremony hosted by Scott Quinnell on Wednesday, May 7 at Dublin’s Double Tree by Hilton Hotel.

Among the other awards is the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year, contested this year by a host of talented players including the 2013 winner, Connacht’s Robbie Henshaw and two graduates of the Leinster Academy, Jack McGrath and Jordi Murphy.

The Volkswagen Try of the Year includes JJ Hanrahan’s last gasp effort against Perpignan to secure a home quarter-final for Munster in the Heineken Cup, Rob Kearney’s intercept try during Ireland’s heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand in the Autumn International Series and Jonny Sexton’s second try against France in Paris to secure the RBS 6 Nations title.

IRUPA has introduced three new awards; the Boardmatch Contribution to Society for a player or former player who has made a significant impact to society outside of rugby.

Leinster’s Shane Jennings, Connacht’s Ronan Loughney and Munster’s Donncha O’Callaghan have all been nominated for the Hibernia College Medal for Excellence, awarded to the individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the game both on and off field. This is a player who matches their playing and training with team support, studies, work, mentoring, charity and community involvement.

Munster’s James Coughlan, Ulster’s Roger Wilson and Michael Swift of Connacht have been shortlisted for the O2 Unsung Hero Award

Rugby fans across Ireland can again vote for their Supporters’ Player of the Year 2013 on Newstalk’s Off the Ball from Monday, April 29.