In Pics: Munster Rugby Awards 2015

See the pictures of this year’s Munster Ruby Awards which took place at the Maryborough Hotel in Cork yesterday. Held in association with the Irish Independent, the event raised funds for this year’s designated charity – The Friends of MaryMount.

Click here to see our awards gallery.

The duty of Master of Ceremonies this year fell to Daire O’Brien of RTÉ’s Against The Head and following an opening address from Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald, captain Peter O'Mahony and Munster retiree Damien Varley took to the stage for a Q&A session.

O’Mahony had high praise for the hooker – speaking about his massive contribution to the squad as both a player and leader across his 121 caps, while Varley discussed his immediate plans post rugby. Currently completing an MBA, the 31 year old looks forward to bringing the same determination and dedication shown throughout his rugby career to future ventures.

Munster players, management and branch officials took to the stage across the afternoon to present the various awards with Daire O’Brien conducting another Q&A session with former Munster, Ireland and Lions player Noel Murphy following his induction into the Munster Rugby Hall of Fame. After retiring as a player Murphy coached Cork Constitution, Munster and Ireland between 1977 and 1980, later serving as President of Cork Constitution, the Munster Branch and the IRFU.

Donncha O'Callaghan maintained his fine tradition of tripping when walking on stage with Dave Foley and his ‘independent adjudicator’ Ian Keatley taking charge of the raffle which raised funds for The Friends of Marymount.

CJ Stander was last to take to the stage, accepting his Munster Player of the Year Award and becoming the first overseas player to win the accolade. Speaking after the ceremony Stander said, “I just go out to do my best in the red jersey. It is all about the team but it is great to be selected for awards like this. I am deeply honoured, especially when I see those who have previously won this award and the quality of the others, Billy (Holland) and Tommy (O’Donnell), who were nominated this year."

Get a full list of yesterday’s winners here.

An award like this is an honour in itself, but receiving it from a team like @munsterrugby , is the… https://t.co/4419p9dvU3

— C J Stander (@CJStander) April 30, 2015