SOME of Ireland’s finest and most talented club rugby stars, from across the Ulster Bank League, will gather in Dublin on Thursday, 24th April, for the second annual ‘Ulster Bank League Awards’.
Last year saw the introduction of the first-ever Ulster Bank League Awards, where current Connacht rugby star and former Lansdowne FC player, Craig Ronaldson, was presented with the ‘Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 1A’ award, as well as the ‘Ulster Bank Top Points Scorer – Division 1A’ award.
A shortlist of players, from each division, has been compiled by a panel of judges, including Ulster Bank rugby ambassador, Alan Quinlan, along with specialist club rugby journalists, Adam Redmond, Kieran Rooney and Donn O’Sullivan. Award winners will be announced in the following categories:
1. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 1A
2. Ulster Bank Top Try Scorer – Division 1A
3. Ulster Bank Top Points Scorer – Division 1A
4. Ulster Bank Rising Star of the Year Award – Division 1A
5. Ulster Bank Coach of the Year – Division 1A
6. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 1B
7. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 2A
8. Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 2B
9. Ulster Bank Club PRO (Public Relations Officer) of the Year
Recognising the commitment shown by teams and individuals in rugby clubs, across the country, on a weekly basis, Ulster Bank will also announce winners of the ‘Ulster Bank Team of the Year Award’ and the ‘Ulster Bank Club Volunteer of the Year Award’. Both awards are open to teams and clubs across all Ulster Bank League Divisions.
Speaking ahead of the Ulster Bank League Awards, Ulster Bank rugby ambassador, Alan Quinlan, said: “The 2013 / 2014 Ulster Bank League season has been nail-biting and we have seen some outstanding team and individual performances. It is also refreshing to see a number of Ulster Bank League players being plucked by Ireland’s provincial academies – a fitting accolade to those in the club game who dedicate their time to their local clubs and their passion for the game. Supporting these players, and recognising and rewarding their talent, is vital for both the development of Irish rugby and Ireland’s club players. The Ulster Bank League Awards is about shinning a spotlight on both club players and the league – showing people that there is rugby talent stemming from every corner of the country.”
Players from 13 Ulster Bank League clubs, across all four provinces, have been nominated for the 2013 / 2014 awards. Old Belvedere RFC and Clontarf Rugby Club are leading the charge, with representatives in three categories – including ‘Ulster Bank Coach of the Year – Division 1A’.
Shortlist of Ulster Bank League players as follows:
Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 1A
Nominees: Danny Riordan (Old Belvedere RFC), David Joyce (Clontarf), Ian Hirst (Clontarf)
Ulster Bank Coach of the Year — Division 1A
Nominees: Bobby Byrne (UCD), Andy Wood (Clontarf), Paul Cunningham (Old Belvedere RFC)
Ulster Bank Rising Star Award – Division 1A:
Nominees: Jack Conan (Old Belvedere RFC), David Joyce (Clontarf), Andrew Boyle (UCD), Dan Goggin (Young Munster RFC)
Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 1B
Nominees: Jack O’Donoghue (UL Bohemians RFC), Finn Gormley (Corinthians RFC), Robert Duke (Terenure College RFC)
Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 2A
Nominees: Rory Parata (Galwegians RFC), Ian Porter (Banbridge RFC), Peter McCabe (UCC)
Ulster Bank Player of the Year – Division 2B
Nominees: Derek Corcoran (Nenagh Ormond RFC), Leonard Slattery (Thomond RFC), Chris Keane (Skerries RFC)
Ulster Bank Team of the Year – Across all UBL Divisions
Winner announced on the night
Ulster Bank Club Volunteer of the Year – Across all UBL Divisions
Winner announced on the night
Ulster Bank PRO of the Year
Nominees: Sam O’Byrne (Clontarf), Sile Geraghty (Tullamore RFC), Thomas O’Brien (Old Wesley RFC)
