Kidney Wins Top Award

Declan Kidney’s role in steering Munster to the Heineken Cup title last season and to a third place finish in the Celtic League has earned him the Phillips 2006 Sports Manager of the Year Award.

Munster coach Declan Kidney was today announced as the Phillips 2006 Sports Manager of the Year.

Kidney led Munster to the Heineken Cup final last season and to a third place finish in the Celtic League.

The awards were made today in the Berkeley Court by Sports Minister John O’Donoghue TD.

Kidney’s challengers for the overall award included Brian Cody who guided Kilkenny to the League, Leinster and All Ireland titles, Kerry’s All Ireland title winning manager Jack O’Connor and the Triple Crown and Autumn international grand slam winning coach Eddie O’Sullivan who was represented at the function by Niall O’Donovan who was assistant coach to Kidney when Munster reached the Heineken Cup finals in 2000 and 2002.