Rugby stars have a ball at glamorous awards dinner
THE Oscars have the red carpet sewn up, but Leinster players had their own version last night for their annual awards ball held at the five-star InterContinental Dublin.
There was plenty of glamour as wives and girlfriends joined the suited-and-booted players in the plush venue.
They were anxious to send off stalwarts Isa Nacewa, who will retire from rugby this summer, and Jamie Heaslip, who was forced to hang up his boots through injury this year.
But there is plenty to look forward to from the Boys in Blue, with Dan Leavy, Jack Conan, Joey Carbery, Garry Ringrose and Jordan Larmour among the young guns enjoying the night out.
Leavy was accompanied by Aoife Rafter, while Conan arrived with Ali Cunningham. Carbery brought his girlfriend Robyn Flanagan, with whom he recently enjoyed a holiday in Dubai after Ireland’s famous Grand Slam victory last month.
Ringrose and Ellen Byrne were teenage sweethearts and have been together for years as he became a key member of the Leinster backline. Larmour was arm-in-arm with long-term girlfriend Lucy Byrne.
Some players showed some of the wear and tear from Saturday’s crushing win over Scarlets, with winger Fergus McFadden on crutches. Meanwhile, Rob Kearney turned on the style with a black velvet dinner jacket.
The black-tie evening at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin kicked off with a drinks reception followed by a dinner prepared by executive chef Alberto Rossi.
DAN LEAVY was the big winner at Leinster’s awards dinner last night as the Ireland openside took home both the fans’ and players’ player of the year awards.
It was a fitting reward for the 23-year-old who has been in superb form despite being injured early in the campaign, playing a big role in Ireland’s Grand Slam and a leading part in the province’s march to the Champions Cup final and Guinness PRO14 play-offs.
Leavy’s fellow St Michael’s graduate James Ryan was crowned young player of the year after a remarkable break-out season.
The 21-year-old had plenty of competition after a season where a number of new talents made their mark, but the Ireland lock has been sensational and is yet to lose a senior game since making his international debut in June.
“I am delighted for Dan and James,” head coach Leo Cullen said.
“This is very much a squad effort and nothing would be possible without the contributions of each and every one of the 53 players we have used this season, but I think we can all see that Dan and James have had outstanding years and I congratulate them both.
“The award is probably that bit more special as it has been voted for by their fellow players.”
Former Ireland international Paul McNaughton was inducted into the Leinster hall of fame, while the Irish Independent try of the year award went to Jordan Larmour for his effort against Munster at Thomond Park.