Breakthrough season for Munster star crowned with Player of the Year award
Calvin Nash may be a late bloomer but he has forced his way into the Ireland reckoning after Mack Hansen was injured on New Year's Day
Calvin Nash capped a superb breakthrough season by being named as the Munster Men's Player of the Year on Tuesday night.
Nash, 27, scored six tries in 18 appearances for Munster in the 2023/24 campaign but missed the URC play-offs due to injury.
When Mack Hansen was ruled out of this year's Six Nations through injury, it was the Limerick man who Andy Farrell turned to and Nash started all five matches in another successful Six Nations for Ireland and in both summer Tests in South Africa.
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Maeve Óg O’Leary won the Women's Player of the Year award after scoring two tries in the four-game Interprovincial Championship, while she also lined out against the Barbarians at Thomond Park before going on to represent Ireland in the WXV3 competition.
O’Leary, 24, who has 11 senior appearances for Munster, was called up to the Ireland squad for the 2024 Women’s Six Nations.
A new addition this year was the Supporters' Player of the Year award, with John Hodnett and Muirne Wall winning the men’s and women’s editions at the ceremony in the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick.
Back row Brian Gleeson, who has just been ruled out for six to eight weeks following a shoulder operation, was named as Academy Player of the Year.
The 20-year-old made 10 appearances off the bench for the Reds, including three Champions Cup games, and signed a senior contract this year.
The Breakthrough Women’s Player of the Year went to Beth Buttimer after a poll was held on Munster's official website last week.
Munster Rugby awards
Bank of Ireland Men’s Player of the Year – Calvin Nash
Bank of Ireland Women’s Player of the Year – Maeve Óg O’Leary
The Virgin Media Supporters’ Player of the Year award - John Hodnett and Muirne Wall
Academy Player of the Year – Brian Gleeson
Breakthrough Women’s Player of the Year – Beth Buttimer
Referee of the Year – Andrew Brace
Bank of Ireland Senior Club of the Year – Nenagh Ormond RFC
Bank of Ireland Junior Club of the Year – Clonakilty RFC
School of the Year – Presentation Brothers College
Club Age-Grade Section of the Year – Bruff RFC
Club Mini Section of the Year – Dungarvan RFC
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