In Pics: Munster Rugby Awards 2014

See the pictures of this year’s Munster Ruby Awards which took place yesterday at the Maryborough Hotel in Cork.

Donal Lenihan was once again Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon and the awards began with an opening address from Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald. In advance of award presentations Munster captain Peter O’Mahony and Munster retiree Niall Ronan took to the stage for a Q&A session.

Ronan spoke about his seven years playing for the province naming Munster’s 2008 game against the All Blacks in Thomond Park as the highlight of his career. Damien Varley and Keith Earls then led a well-deserved standing ovation for the Meath man who won 104 caps playing for Munster.

Munster players, management and branch officials took to the stage across the afternoon to present the various awards with Donal Lenihan conducting a second Q&A session with Brian O’Brien following his induction into the Munster Rugby Hall of Fame. As a former player, selector, coach, and manager of both the Munster and Irish team, he’s done it all. He’s even the reason Munster fans now sing Stand Up And Fight and with a little coaxing from Donal he treated the 240 guests to a fine rendition of the song.

Donncha O’Callaghan maintained his fine tradition of tripping when walking on stage, while Damien Varley and CJ Stander were on hand at raffle time as the “independent adjudicators”. Taking it as seriously as a Lotto draw, both forwards were most efficient and conscientious in overseeing the raffle which raised funds for the award’s designated charity – Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. No stranger to the stage Varls then surpassed the dancing antics of Simon Zebo last year with his own rendition of Ben E King’s Stand By Me.

Conor Murray was last to take to the stage, accepting his Munster Player of the Year Award and bringing the curtain down on what was a great afternoon, deservedly honouring domestic and professional rugby from around the province.

See the pictures from yesterday’s ceremony by clicking here.

A full list of categories and winners is available by clicking here.