Paul OÕConnell named Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year 11/8/2015

REPRO FREE***PRESS RELEASE NO REPRODUCTION FEE*** Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards 2015 Paul OÕConnell named Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year 11/8/2015 Paul OÕConnell has been named The Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year at the annual Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards. He was honoured at the awards dinner this evening in the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin. The Ireland team were awarded the Dave Guiney Team of the Year for their Six Nations winning performance. Sophie Spence picked up the WomenÕs Player of the Year after a fantastic season where she played an instrumental role in the Irish WomenÕs team Six Nations success. Lansdowne FC were voted Club of the Year due to their success in the All-Ireland League this past season, alongside success at various levels across Leinster. The Tom Rooney Award was awarded to Fred Casey for his exceptional contribution to the development of players for Cork Con, Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions in Ireland. Former Ireland and British & Irish Lions players Tom Grace and Dave Hewitt were inducted into the Guinness Hall of Fame. The award ceremony was hosted by Rory Sheridan of Diageo and Damien OÕMeara of the Rugby Writers of Ireland. Pictured Paul OÕConnell with The Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year awards Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan