ROBBIE HENSHAW LAST night won the Connacht Rugby Players’ Player of the Year and Connacht Rugby Fans’ Player of the Year honours at the province’s annual awards ball in Galway.
Last week, the 21-year-old also scooped the Young Player of the Year and Try of the Year prizes at the IRUPA’s awards night in Dublin. Furthermore, Henshaw was named in the Guinness Pro12 Dream Team for his performances in the league this season.
Henshaw had a brilliant breakthrough campaign at international level, starting all five of Ireland’s games as Joe Schmidt’s side won the Six Nations for a second consecutive season.
To be voted for by the fans is brilliant and I’m delighted with the award,” said Henshaw.
“We have the best supporters in Connacht and I really appreciate all their support of me and the team, especially the way they turn out in numbers at the Sportsground week in week out.
“Winning the Players’ Player award is something very special to me. I’ve had a fantastic year and to be acknowledged by my Connacht teammates for helping the team in what has been a great season is just massive.”
Meanwhile, prolific wing Matt Healy was named Back of the Year and highly promising loosehead prop Denis Buckley picked up the Forward of the Year honour. In-form second row Aly Muldowney was selected as the Team Man of the Year.
Kieran Marmion’s solo effort against Leinster back in September won him the Try of the Year gong, while Eoghan Masterson was named Academy Player of the Year. Grainne Egan and Emma Clearly collected the top prizes for women’s rugby.
Full list of winners at the 2015 Connacht awards
U18 Club Player of the Year: Luke Carty, Buccaneers RFC
U18 School Player of the Year: Cillian Gallagher, Summerhill Sligo
U19 Player of the Year: Conan O’Donnell
U20 Player of the Year: Rory Moloney
Women’s Club Player of the Year: Emma Cleary, Galwegians RFC
Women’s Player of the Year: Grainne Egan
Coach of the Year: Dave Purcell, CBS Roscommon
Club of the Year: Sligo RFC
Referee of the Year: David Connolly
Volunteer of the Year: Padraic McGann, Monivea RFC
Junior Club Player of the Year: Dave McDonagh, Connemara RFC
Senior Club Player of the Year: Martin Cummins, Galwegians RFC
Academy Player of the Year: Eoghan Masterson
Forward of the Year: Denis Buckley
Back of the Year: Matt Healy
Try of the Year: Kieran Marmion, v Leinster, September 2014
Team Man of the Year: Aly Muldowney
Fans’ Player of the Year: Robbie Henshaw
Players’ Player of the Year: Robbie Henshaw
