Munster Men Honoured at Players Awards

Jason Holland has been voted the IRUPA Mira Green Giant Unsung Hero 2003 by his fellow professionals at Thursday nights inaugural IRUPA Mira Rugby Player’s Awards.

Jason Holland has been voted the IRUPA Mira Green Giant Unsung Hero 2003 by his fellow professionals at Thursday nights inaugural IRUPA Mira Rugby Player’s Awards. Munster’s Mick Galwey and Peter Clohessy were also amongst those honoured on the night when they were inducted into the IRUPA Barker Insurance Hall of Fame.

The main award of the night, IRUPA Mira Players Player of the Year, was awarded to Leinster’s Malcolm O’Kelly. O’Kelly said: “To be voted the best player for 2003 by my peers when there are so many talented players is a tremendous honour. This is the ultimate rugby accolade and something I will treasure for the rest of my career.” The awards were held to celebrate a year of individual achievements in Irish rugby. The 2002/2003 season have seen Ireland win 10 out of their 11 tests, losing only once to the all conquering and current world ranked number one team England. “What makes these awards so special is that they are voted for by the players from the four provinces. Congratulations to Malcolm O’Kelly, Jason Holland, Peter Clohessy, Michael Galwey, Gordan D’Arcy and Neil McMillan in winning what will become the most coveted and prestigious awards in Irish rugby,” commented Niall Woods, Chief Executive of IRUPA. The awards were made in the presence of some of the game’s most well-known names including Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll, his centre partner Kevin Maggs, Keith Gleeson and Anthony Foley. Noel Lawlor, Mira, said: “Looking back on a year of gripping rugby, we are left in no doubt as to the exceptionally high standard of professional rugby today. It is the talent, professionalism and commitment that Mira is proud to pay tribute to tonight.” Award Winners are as follows: IRUPA Mira Players Player of the Year 2003 Winner: Malcolm O’Kelly (Leinster) Nominations: John Hayes (Munster) Geordan Murphy (Leicester) Malcolm O’Kelly (Leinster) IRUPA Green Giant Unsung Hero 2003 Winner: Jason Holland (Munster) Nominations: Jason Holland (Munster) Mark McHugh (Connacht) David Quinlan (Leinster) IRUPA Barker Insurance Hall of Fame 2003 Inducted: Peter Clohessy & Mick Galwey (Munster) IRUPA Tyrone Crystal Try of the Year 2003 Winner: Gordon D’Arcy (Leicester) Nominations: Gordon D’Arcy (Leinster) Rob Henderson (Munster) Wayne Munn (Connacht) IRUPA O2 Young Player of the Year 2003 Winner: Neil McMillan (Ulster) Nominations: Mossie Lawlor (Munster) Neil McMillan (Ulster) John O’Sullivan (Connacht)