Munster’s Peter O’Mahony among nominees for IRUPA award

Munster captain Peter O’Mahony is among the Ireland internationals nominated for the coveted Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association player of the year award.

The 24-year-old is joined on the shortlist—voted on by professional players in Ireland—by in-form Ulster winger Andrew Trimble and Leinster lock Devin Toner ahead of the award ceremony on Wednesday 7 May in Dublin.

“All awards presented on the night are hugely significant, as there is no higher accolade than being recognised by your peers who you go into battle with each week,” said IRUPA chairman Rob Kearney.

“The Hibernia College Player of the Year award is particularly coveted as it represents the one outstanding performer in all of Irish rugby as voted by all fellow players.”

Ulster number 8 Nick Williams was the recipient of the award in 2013, becoming the second overseas player to win the award days after he was named as the RaboDirect Pro12 player of the year.

The Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year award will be between three rising stars in Irish rugby with versatile Connacht back—and 2013 winner—Robbie Henshaw shortlisted again along with Leinster forwards Jack McGrath and Jordi Murphy.

Munster’s JJ Hanrahan is shortlisted for the Volkswagen try of the year category for his winning effort in the dying seconds against Perpignan in this season’s Heineken Cup pool stages.

He is joined by Leinster full-back Rob Kearney for his intercept try in Ireland’s thrilling autumn international defeat to New Zealand, with Racing Metro outside-half Johnny Sexton’s second try against France in this year’s final match of the Six Nations also making the cut.

The awards night, hosted by former Wales and British and Irish Lions number 8 Scott Quinnell, will see a total of 10 awards handed out, including three new categories.

2014 IRUPA Players’ Awards Nominations

Hibernia College IRUPA players’ player of the year

Peter O’Mahony (Munster)
Devin Toner (Leinster)
Andrew Trimble (Ulster)

Nevin Spence young player of the year

Robbie Henshaw (Connacht)
Jack McGrath (Leinster)
Jordi Murphy (Leinster)

Volkswagen try of the year

JJ Hanrahan, Munster vs Perpignan away (Heineken Cup)
Rob Kearney, Ireland vs New Zealand (GUINNESS Series)
Jonathan Sexton, Ireland vs France (RBS 6 Nations)

Hibernia College Medal for Excellence

Shane Jennings (Leinster)
Ronan Loughney (Connacht)
Donncha O’Callaghan (Munster)