Kearney voted Leinster's Player of the Year

Rob Kearney was voted Players’ Player of the Year at the province’s Annual Awards ceremony in the Mansion House, Dublin, last night.

Having been one of Ireland’s best performers at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Kearney continued to impress in the blue of Leinster, mixing his trademark reliability under the high ball with some dynamic running.

The former Louth minor has racked up seven tries and one drop-goal for Leinster in his thirteen appearances so far this season.

Kearney, who was voted Young Player of the Year in his first season with the province back in 2006, edged out last year’s winner Isa Nacewa and Irish fly-half Jonathan Sexton to claim the award.

23-year-old Ian Madigan, who has seen plenty of game time at fly half this season, scooped the prize for Young Player of the Year.

Madigan has amassed eight tries in twenty-three appearances this season and his impressive form for Leinster earned him his first call up to the Irish Wolfhounds in February.

Veteran Brian O'Driscoll received the Try of the Year award for expertly finishing off the superb move in the recent Heineken Cup quarter-final victory over the Cardiff Blues.

A special presentation was also made to Leinster legend Shane Horgan following his recent retirement, as well as to several members of the Leinster squad who will be leaving the province at the end of the season.