Ulster representatives eye ‘virtual’ awards

EVEN though the Energia All Ireland League fell well short of completion due to Covid-19, an end of season ‘virtual’ awards ceremony is still being held this evening.

Ulster have a decent representation in with a chance of winning something with Brad Roberts, from Rainey Old Boys, Malone’s Scott Finlay and Peter Cashel of Dungannon all shortlisted in the players’ categories.

Division 2A forward Roberts, who hails from South Africa and can play hooker or in the backrow, has made the list for Men’s Player of the Year along with four others who have been nominated from each division.

Rainey had been pushing for promotion for a second season running when the league was stood down due to the Coronavirus.

Finlay and Cashel are in with a shot of claiming Men’s Try of the Year and are up against three players from Munster clubs — Jack Crowley from Cork Constitution, Kelvin Brown of Shannon and Conor O’brien from Nenagh — to take the prize.

Ulster clubs are also in line for potential recognition through the Club Scene Award.

Other accolades on the evening include Rising Star of each division, Coach of the Year, Women’s Coach of the Year, Women’s try of the Year, Women’s Player of the Year, Club Scene Award and the new Positive Energy Award, which will be given to the team or player who is judged to have taken on the most notable ‘positive energy mentality’ and gone above and beyond for the AIL.

Special guests for the ceremony — which will be broadcast on Youtube and Facebook — include Ireland coach Andy Farrell and star players Peter O’mahony, Keith Earls, Joey Carbery and Jordan Larmour.

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