Rugby writers name O’Driscoll as Player of the Year

Leinster and Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll has been named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year this evening.

O’Driscoll, who received his award at a function in Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse this evening, had plenty more to celebrate on the night as Heineken Cup champions Leinster were voted Club of the Year while Ireland picked up the Dave Guiney perpetual award as Team of the Year in recognition of their historic Grand Slam triumph.

The Tom Rooney Award for making an exceptional contribution to the game went to Paddy ‘Rala’ O’Reilly, the popular Ireland Team Baggage Master.

The two new members inducted to the Guinness Hall Of Fame were back row forwards, Ronnie Kavanagh and Fergus Slattery.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: BRIAN O’DRISCOLL

CLUB OF THE YEAR: LEINSTER.

DAVE GUINEY AWARD (TEAM OF THE YEAR): IRELAND.

TOM ROONEY AWARD (for services to rugby): PADDY ‘RALA’ O’REILLY.

GUINNESS HALL OF FAME: RONNIE KAVANAGH - 35 caps; FERGUS SLATTERY - 61 caps.