Contepomi named player of the year

Felipe Contepomi was named Leinster's Player of the Year at an awards ceremony in Dublin last night.

"I am delighted and proud to be named the Leinster Player of the Year," said the Argentine. "This award means an awful lot to me as does the wonderful signed jersey that I received by Robbie O'Connor on behalf of the Supporters Club. I was thrilled to receive it and will cherish both awards for many years to come.

"It has been a difficult few days after the injury but I'm confident of getting back soon. I'm already back working on my rehabilitation with our physio, James Allen and the rest of the medical team. Hopefully I won't be out for the full six weeks, although that is what the textbook says so we'll just have to wait and see.

"I would like to dedicate this award to my family and team mates and I thank them for all their support."

In addition, Reggie Corrigan, Gordon D'Arcy, Girvan Dempsey, Denis Hickie, Shane Horgan, Brian O'Meara and Malcolm O'Kelly received awards from Bank of Scotland (Ireland) for passing the 100-cap mark for the province last year.

Recent retirees Eric Miller and Emmett Byrne (who also passed the 100-cap mark) were honoured to mark their outstanding service to Leinster Rugby.

Donnacadh Casey (Monkstown) was named the RE/MAX Club Player of the Year while Shannon Heuston accepted the Newbridge Silverware Leinster Women's Player of the Year award on behalf of the winner Tanya Rosser.

Rob Kearney was named the Leinster Young Player of the Year and his father David received the award from Mo Durkan (Powerade) who also presented Fr. Joe Gough of Blackrock College with the Leinster School of the Year award after clinching Senior and Junior Cup honours.