The Women’s team with the Division 5 trophy

The annual club awards were held at the Plaza hotel on Friday the 26th of May.

First up was the men’s and Dave Mahon was awarded the seconds team player of the year for his versatility and consistency. Orhun Orel was given the award for the try of the season for his last minute winner away to the Midland Warriors in the league. Colin Morrison was then given the Most Improved player award for his outstanding season, working tirelessly in the second row and back row. Brian Donnelly won player’s player of the year award, a popular award for his efforts on and off the pitch. David Clarke was awarded the men’s firsts player of the year award. Despite an injury disrupted season, Clarkie always maintained the highest performance levels.

Then Club Chairman Niall Mahon presented the club person of the year award to Darran Conway for his superb work with the minis this season.

Next up were the women’s team and Grainne Leonard-Flood won the award for most improved player after helping to lead Tallaght to a league win from out-half. Her wife Louise Leonard-Flood was next up winning the Women’s top try-scorer award. Then Orlaith Plunkett won the award for Best Newcomer after she joined during the season and made a massive impact with her aggressive ball carrying. Nicole Fanning was named the player of the year. It was Nicole’s first season playing senior rugby but she impressed everyone with her maturity and organisational skills. Finally Eileen Shanahan was named player’s player of the year. Shanahan captained the women’s team to their first ever silverware and led from the front with bravery. In the final act of the evening head coach Hayley Whyte presented the players with their Division 5 medals.

Finally thanks to all the Plaza staff and to Martina Fitzpatrick for organising a great night and also to Mark Luttrell for taking the photos.

Grainne Leonard-Flood with Andy Grace – Women’s most improved player
Louise Leonard-Flood with Ciaran Rudd – Women’s top try-scorer
Orlaith Plunkett with Ciaran Rudd – Women’s Best newcomer
Nicole Fanning with Andy Grace – Women’s player of the year
Hayley Whyte presents Eileen Shanahan with Women’s player’s player of the season
Niall Mahon presents Darran Conway with Volunteer of the year award
John Cowan presents Dave Mahon with Second’s player of the season
Orhun Orel – Try of the season presented by coach Matt Gill, accepted by Leon Tanfin.
Colin Morrison – Most improved player, presented by coach Matt Gill, accepted by Gary Brennan.
Brian Donnelly – Player’s player of the season, presented by coach Gary Brennan, accepted by Simon Collie.
David Clarke – Player of the season, presented by coach Gary Brennan, accepted by Ciaran Rudd.