Countdown to Munster Rugby Awards

Following the hugely successful inaugural event last year, the second Munster Rugby Awards, in association with the Irish Examiner, will take place on May 10th next at Silversprings Moran Hotel in Cork

The purpose of the awards is to recognise individual talents in the sport in Munster, as well as the achievements of clubs and schools on and off the pitch.  The gala evening celebrates the spirit of rugby in the province by encompassing both the professional and domestic game.  Eleven diverse categories will be honoured including Munster Player and Young Player of the Year to up and coming Academy talent, women’s rugby, referees, schools and clubs. 

All funds raised will go towards the running of and development of the Munster Rugby Academy. 

Date: Saturday 10th May 2008

Venue: Silversprings Moran Hotel, Cork

Tables: Tables of 10 cost ?3000.  There are a limited number of tables and bookings are being taken on a first come first served basis.  Contact Munster Rugby on 021-4323563 or Michael O’Brien on 087-2129999 for bookings.

Entertainment: RTE’s Michael Corcoran will be the MC, with a special appearance by the internationally acclaimed illusionist and magician Keith Barry.

The Awards

Club Mini Section of the Year
Club Youth Section of the Year
Junior Club of the Year
Senior Club of the Year

The winners of these four awards are chosen in conjunction with the Munster Rugby Coaching & Development Office, Domestic Game Committee and relevant sub committees using the following criteria:
? Full Player Registration compliancy
? Coach Education compliancy (% of club coaches on official IRFU coaching pathway)
? Fulfil criteria for Referee participation

Last year’s winners were: Club Mini Section of the Year- Sunday’s Well RFC; Club Youth Section of the Year- Tralee RFC; Junior Club of the Year- Douglas RFC; Senior Club of the Year- Garryowen FC

School of the Year

The winner of this award is chosen in conjunction with the Munster Schools Committee using the following criteria:
? Levels of participation by players.
? Level of participation in schools competitions.
? Throughput of development of coaches (through IRFU coaching courses) and other support staff in running school underage teams.
? Player registration compliancy

Last year’s recipient of this award was Presentation Brothers College Cork.

Women’s Player of the Year

The winner of this award is chosen by the Munster Senior Women’s Team Management in conjunction with the Munster Women’s Committee.  Last year’s winner was Paula O’Connor from Shannon RFC.

Referee of the Year

The Referee of the Year will be chosen by the Munster Association of Referees, using the following criteria- commitment, ability, improvement over the season, involvement (MAR), ambassadorial qualities.  Last year’s winner was George Clancy from Bruff RFC.

Hall of Fame Award

The winner of this award is chosen by the Munster Rugby Awards panel of judges, which is made up of representatives from Munster Rugby and the Irish Examiner.  The inaugural recipient of the Hall of Fame Award was Tom Kiernan.

The John McCarthy Award for Academy Player of the Year

This award is presented to the outstanding Academy player for the season- displaying exceptional character, commitment and dedication to all aspects of the game.  The winner is chosen by the Munster Rugby Academy Board and last year’s winner was Keith Earls.

Young Player of the Year

Chosen by the Munster Rugby Awards panel of judges, the Young Player of the Year award will be presented to one of Munster’s up and coming talents who has made a significant impact this season and has shown the potential and application to progress to a higher level.  Last year’s winner was Darragh Hurley.

Player of the Year

Four Player of the Year candidates are chosen by their fellow players on the Munster team.  The four nominations are then voted for by the readers of the Irish Examiner in a public vote.  The winner of this award is chosen by the Munster Rugby Awards panel of judges, with the Irish Examiner reader’s votes taken into consideration.  The winner of last year’s award was John Hayes.