Players choose Kearney as player of the year

Rob Kearney has been voted the IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year by his fellow players at the 10th IRUPA Rugby Players’ Awards.

Thu, 10 May, 2012 - 00:01

Rob Kearney has been voted the IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year by his fellow players at the 10th IRUPA Rugby Players’ Awards.

The Ireland and Leinster player also walked away with the Newstalk Supporters Players of the Year 2012 at The Burlington Hotel Dublin, which was attended by the Munster legend, John Hayes, who was inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame.

Munster’s Peter O’Mahony was also among those recognised when he was awarded the IRUPA Nature Valley Young Player 2012.

Kearney was delighted to receive the award. The full back said: "This is the first time I’ve received this award which has been voted for by my peers and I am overwhelmed to be honest that the other players in Ireland have chosen me."

As well as the honour of Player of the Year, all the winners receive an inscribed TW Steel watch from Fields Jewellers.

Twice nominated Craig Gilroy of Ulster picked up the IRUPA Volkswagen Try of the Year for his score against Munster in the Heineken Cup.

Leinster’s Kevin McLaughlin collected the IRUPA O2 Unsung Hero Award, voted for the first time by the public.

Recently retired Mick O’Driscoll was awarded the inaugural IRUPA Hibernia College Medal for Excellence, which rewards on-field effort combined with off-field commitment to the game.

Nominees were voted by their peers but were also judged on their contribution to the sport through community involvement, education, work and charitable initiatives.

IRUPA PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012

Winner:

Rob Kearney - Leinster

Nominations:

Stephen Ferris – Ulster

Rob Kearney- Leinster

Ronan O’Gara - Munster

IRUPA NATURE VALLEY YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012

Winner:

Peter O’Mahony - Munster

Nominations:

Craig Gilroy- Ulster