Ireland and Munster secondrow Paul O'Connell has been named Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland player-of-the-year.

The 27-year-old, who recently succeeded Anthony Foloy as Munster captain, enjoyed a year to remember on both the international and domestic fronts.

O'Connell was a pivotal member of the Irish side that capped off a memorable Six Nations campaign with the Triple Crown and, indeed, has been described as the heartbeat of the current Ireland pack.

In Europe he was an ever-present as Munster dug deep to secure the Heineken Cup, with his performance against Leinster in the semi-final particularly eye-catching.

Even in the final, against Biarritz, when niggling ankle and neck injuries curtailed his influence to an extent he remained immense, spurring on those around him as the clock wore down.

O'Connell will be presented with the award at a function in Dublin on Wednesday.

The 'Tom Rooney award' for exceptional contribution to the sport goes to former referee Kevin Kelleher, Hon. Secretary of the Schools Section of the Leinster Branch for over 50 years.

Former internationals Willie John McBride and Mick Molloy are to be inducted into the Hall of Fame while AIB League champions Shannon RFC have again been voted Club of the Year.