A NUMBER of Limerick rugby personalities were honoured at this week’s Guinness Rugby Writers Awards which were held in Dublin.
Recently retired trail-blazing rugby referee and former Ireland international Joy Neville and former Munster, Ireland and Lions hooker Keith Wood were inducted into the hall of fame for their exceptional contributions to rugby throughout their playing careers and thereafter. Both international stars of their time have been great servants to the game.
Limerick media legend and renowned commentator Len Dinneen was awarded the Fred Cogley Award along with former Irish Times rugby correspondent Edmund Van Esbeck. A new addition to the award list this year, Fred Cogley was one of the best in his field in sports commentary and the Rugby Writers of Ireland were delighted to announce both Len and Edmund as recipients of this award for their significant stamp they have left on Irish sports media.
Ireland Women’s player Aoife Wafer, and Ireland Men’s Captain Caelan Doris were named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s and Men’s Players of The Year respectively. These awards acknowledge their significant contributions to both club and country throughout the 2023/2024 season.
Wafer had an outstanding season for the Ireland Women’s team in 2024. Her impressive performances in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations were pivotal to their strong third-place finish, with her efforts in the final round against Scotland helping secure qualification for both WXV1 and the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Former Ireland international and referee Joy Neville, who has been inducted into the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Hall of Fame with Jonathan Bradley, Ronnie Neville and Catherine Toolan at the awards night this week | PICTURE: ©INPHO/Ben Brady
After a stellar season in green, Doris emerged as one of the key players as the Ireland’s Men’s team claimed their second consecutive Guinness Men’s Six Nations title in March. Doris consistently showcased his class not only for Ireland but also for Leinster, delivering strong performances both on the domestic and European stage.
The Ireland Men’s team was named the Dave Guiney Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Team of the Year in recognition of their victory in the 2024 Guinness Six Nations Championship. This marked their sixth title in Ireland’s history and their second consecutive Championship following up their Grand Slam victory in 2023.
For the third time in her career, Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe has been named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s 7s Player of the Year. A standout performer for Ireland in their historic first-ever Olympic Games in Paris, Murphy Crowe also helped secure the Women’s squad’s first-ever World Series Gold Medal last season, with a crucial try in the final against Australia.
Ireland Men’s 7s star, Zac Ward has been awarded the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Men’s 7s Player of the Year, recognising his outstanding performances in 2023/2024.
Following another exceptional season, Ward played a pivotal role in Ireland’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics and their subsequent run, including scoring a crucial try in their quarter-final against Fiji. In addition to his sevens success, Ward has transitioned to the 15s format, joining Ulster Rugby on a trial basis and starting for Emerging Ireland during their South African tour.
Also honoured on the night was former Connacht Rugby CEO, Gerry Kelly, who was awarded the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Tom Rooney Award.
Ballyclare RFC has been voted the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Club of the Year on the back of their achievements this year. This season, they played at Energia All-Ireland League level for the first time in their 75-year history having secured promotion through the playoffs.
After edging Enniskillen to the Ulster Championship Division title – the first time they have topped the junior ranks in the province.
John Fallon, Chair of the Rugby Writers of Ireland said: “I would like to congratulate all of our award winners who were nominated and voted for by members of the Rugby Writers of Ireland. The 2023/24 season provided some truly memorable moments for Irish Rugby, with the Men’s team securing a second consecutive Guinness Six Nations title and the Women’s team achieving a strong third-place finish in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, securing qualification for both WXV1 and the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
“We also saw outstanding performances from both our Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams, highlighted by Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe’s third 7s Player of the Year award and Zac Ward’s exceptional season, including his contributions to Ireland’s Olympic campaign. It is a privilege also to acknowledge Gerry Kelly’s immense contribution to Connacht Rugby.
“We thank each of our winners and indeed, nominees for their unwavering commitment to Irish Rugby. My sincere thanks also go to Guinness for their continued and invaluable sponsorship of these awards.”
Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards
Women’s XV Player of the Year: Aoife Wafer
Men’s XV Player of the Year: Caelan Doris
Men’s 7s Player of the Year: Zac Ward
Women’s 7s Player of the Year: Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe
Dave Guiney Team of the Year: Ireland Senior Men’s team
Club of the Year: Ballyclare RFC
Tom Rooney Award: Gerry Kelly
Hall of Fame Inductees: Joy Neville & Keith Wood
Fred Cogley Award: Edmund Van Esbeck & Len Dinneen.
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