Latest news with #Munster
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Calvin Nash aims to raise the bar with Munster at business end of the season
Calvin Nash is on a mission to be more impactful in the URC knockout rounds after admitting he has not been happy with his recent performances. The 27-year-old Ireland wing has been one of Munster's most consistent performers over the past three seasons, form recognised in the shape of nine Ireland caps. Yet Nash feels he has fallen from the high benchmark he set for himself in the Champions Cup knockout win at La Rochelle eight weeks ago and is determined to return to the levels he expects of himself when Munster go to Kings Park this Saturday for their URC quarter-final against South African heavyweights the Sharks. 'I haven't been too happy with my performances if I am being honest with you,' Nash said. 'I feel like there is still probably a bit in me. 'I want to have a lot more standout performances but look, I'm obviously not getting frustrated with it. I feel like I am doing my part for the team, but standards-wise I would prefer to be pushing myself out there and standing out a bit more.' Nash even pinpointed the areas he wants to improve and how he has gone about rectifying the situation. 'I think a few weeks ago I dropped off in beating defenders and the first man, which is something I felt like I was quite good at before. 'For whatever reason I felt like my carrying wasn't as good as what it had been, so from the Benetton game, I just tried to go back to basics and focus on that – don't be thinking about other things and just scanning a bit better and communicating a bit better. 'I have tried to just narrow my focus, work on my aerial work and beating people and just backing myself with my reads in defence – stuff that I feel like I am good at.' When it is pointed out he is being particularly self-critical, Nash revealed it was part of his effort to return to the peak of his powers. 'I actually thought the La Rochelle game was one of my best games that I've ever played for Munster. 'I'm just being critical that I want, especially towards the end of the season, I want to have as good games as I possibly can do. I'm just trying to be hard on myself and want to push myself a bit more to get better and to be the overall player that I know I can be, and not have any regrets. 'So, yeah, I was just putting it out there being hard on myself. To be honest I don't think I've been playing poorly, I just have more in me.' A strong end to the season would surely see Nash add to those Ireland caps with a place in the touring squad to Georgia and Portugal this summer and the Limerick star said: 'Yeah, it is a big goal. You set out goals at the start of every season and you don't really know what way the season is going to go for you. 'It is a big goal to get on the tour this summer but being honest, like I said, I need to get my performances up again and hopefully fly into this weekend.' Nash has personally enjoyed mixed fortunes at Kings Park, with a regular season draw there securing Munster's play-off place in their title-winning campaign two seasons ago coming three weeks after a humbling 50-35 Champions Cup Round of 16 loss to the Sharks. Munster also lost heavily in Durban last October but Nash has experienced victory as an Ireland player, three months earlier when Ciaran Frawley's drop goal secured a series-tying win over the Springboks in the second Test against the world champions. 'The games over here are some of the hardest games you'll play in the URC,' Nash said. 'Even last summer, some of the hardest internationals I've played. You know you have to step up a bit here and it always takes a bit extra to win down here. That's what we are targeting here, trying to get the most out of ourselves.' The wing added: 'Yeah, I've won there. It's obviously tough as well. We've only got a draw there so it will be a first time for us if we win this weekend. But being honest with you, we just go out and play it like it is, you know, play it like it's any other game. 'At the end of the day, anyone can win, anything can happen and you've just got to play what's in front of you. There's no point looking back at different teams and what has happened before, I feel.'
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Munster's Tadhg Beirne named Players' Player of the Year
Tadhg Beirne was named Men's XVs Players' Player of the Year at the Rugby Players Ireland awards at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday night. The Munster second row beat competition from provincial teammate Tom Farrell and Leinster duo Caelan Doris and Jamison Gibson-Park, who were also nominated. Berine started every game for Ireland in this Six Nations, and has featured 16 times for Munster in his first season as the province's captain. Earlier this month, his form was rewarded with a place in the Lions squad for this summer's tour of Australia, while in February he signed a new two-year extension with the IRFU and Munster. 'I'm honoured to be named as the OCC Consulting Men's Players' Player of the Year," said Beirne. "It comes as quite a surprise given that Caelan, Tom and Jamison have all had brilliant seasons. To be chosen by my fellow Rugby Players Ireland members makes this award even more meaningful, and I really appreciate their support and acknowledgement.' The women's award was claimed by Leinster centre Aoife Dalton. The 22-year-old from Offaly has become a key player for Ireland. Amee-Lee Costigan, Niamh O'Dowd and Dorothy Wall were the others nominated. 'It's a very exciting time to be involved with this group of players," said Dalton. "To be recognised by them at such a crucial time for this team is hard to put into words. When I first came into camp, I could sense that something was beginning to build and I think we have started to see the fruits of that over recent months both collectively and individually, through the performances of my fellow nominees Amee-Leigh, Niamh and Dorothy.' Erin King won the Women's Young Player of the Year award while Sam Prendergast took the men's equivalent. Ireland and Leinster out-half Prendergast was presented with the award by his older brother Cian, the Connacht captain, who was a previous winner in the category. Two scores from the Six Nations were named the tries of the year. Dan Sheehan starting and finishing off a team move against England back in February won in the men's category. Anna McGann touching down to finish what was also a team move against Italy, one which sealed her hat-trick in the game, was named Women's Try of the Year. Eimear Considine, who retired from rugby in November after 10 years at the top level of the women's game in Ireland, won the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award for her contributions to mental health discourse. On behalf of the Irish men's team, Caelan Doris accepted the Moment of the Year award for Ireland's Triple Crown win in the Six Nations. Rugby Players Ireland Awards winners OCC Consulting Men's XVs Players' Player of the Year: Tadhg Beirne; OCC Consulting Women's XVs Players' Player of the Year 2025: Aoife Dalton; Nevin Spence Men's XVs Young Player of the Year: Sam Prendergast; Energia Women's XVs Young Player of the Year: Erin King; MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men's XVs Try of the Year: Dan Sheehan (v England); AIB Corporate Banking Women's XVs Try of the Year: Anna McGann (v Italy); Tritonlake Men's 7s Player of the Year: Dylan O'Grady; Tritonlake Women's 7s Player of the Year: Lucinda Kinghan; Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award: Eimear Considine; Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment on the Year: Ireland's Triple Crown Success (accepted by Caelan Doris.)
RTÉ News
6 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Tadhg Beirne and Aoife Dalton recognised at Rugby Player Ireland awards
Tadhg Beirne and Aoife Dalton were the big winners at the Rugby Player Ireland awards, claiming the men's and women's top prizes, respectively. The Munster man beat off competition from Tom Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park and Ireland captain Caelan Doris, while 22-year-old Dalton was recognised for her eye-catching displays at centre to see off the claims of Dorothy Wall, Amee-Leigh Costigan and Niamh O'Dowd. Beirne, who is set for his second Lions tour this summer, has been a rock of consistency at both provincial and Test level. Unable to collect his award as Munster are in South Africa to take on Sharks in this weekend's BKT URC quarter-final, the 33-year-old said the award was both an honour and unexpected. "It comes as quite a surprise given that Caelan, Tom and Jamison have all had brilliant seasons," he said. "To be chosen by my fellow Rugby Players Ireland members makes this award even more meaningful, and I really appreciate their support and acknowledgement." Dalton scooped the OCC Consulting Women's XVs Players' Player of the Year following a hugely impactful campaign in the Irish midfield across 2024/25 and is likely to be a key figure for the women in green at the Rugby World Cup in England later this year. Having made a try-scoring return to international action following two ACL injuries and the birth of her son Caolán, Eimear Considine - pictured above - announced her retirement during the season. To mark both her Irish sporting legacy and long-standing contribution to mental wellbeing discourse in Ireland, Considine was presented with the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award as Tackle Your Feelings kicked off its ten-year anniversary celebrations. Another to make their comeback this season was Dan Sheehan who picked up from where he left off upon his return with a powerful effort against England for which he took home the MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men's XVs Try of the Year. Anna McGann was the winner of the AIB Corporate Banking Women's XVs Try of the Year for finishing off a sweeping team effort against Italy in the Six Nations. Having been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup later this year, Erin King was given a morale boost by her team-mates who voted her as their Energia Women's XVs Young Player of the Year. It follows her World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year last November. Meanwhile, Leinster and Ireland out-half Sam Prendergast was named as the Nevin Spence Men's XVs Young Player of the Year, with previous winner and Connacht captain Cian Prendergast on hand to present the award to his younger brother. Further accolades were presented on the night to Dylan O'Grady who was named as the TritonLake Men's 7s Players' Player of the Year, and Lucinda Kinghan who was named the TritonLake Women's 7s Players' Player of the Year. Ireland's Triple Crown success was named as the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year with Irish captain Caelan Doris closing out the evening by accepting the award on behalf of his team-mates.
Irish Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Tadhg Beirne and Aoife Dalton win RPI Players' Player of the Year awards
Tadhg Beirne and Aoife Dalton have been recognised by their peers by winning the respective Players' Players of the Year awards. The prestigious awards were announced at the Rugby Players Ireland (RPI) ceremony at the Aviva Stadium. Munster captain Beirne edged the claims of provincial teammate Tom Farrell, as well as Leinster duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Caelan Doris. Kildare native Beirne missed the awards ceremony as he is with Munster in South Africa preparing for a URC quarter-final before embarking on the Lions tour in Australia. He said: 'I'm honoured to be named. It comes as quite a surprise given that Caelan, Tom and Jamison have all had brilliant seasons.' Beirne added that being chosen by his fellow professionals 'makes this award even more meaningful and I really appreciate their support and acknowledgment'. READ MORE Dalton has had an impressive campaign in the Ireland midfield when she proved herself to be teak tough in defence and clever going forward. Though just 22, she is already established as a key figure ahead of the Rugby World Cup in England later this year. She said: 'It's a very exciting time to be involved with this group of players. To be recognised by them at such a crucial time for this team is hard to put into words. 'When I first came into camp, I could sense that something was beginning to build and I think we have started to see the fruits of that over recent months, both collectively and individually.' Eimear Considine was presented with the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award. Having made a try-scoring return to international action following two ACL injuries and the birth of her son Caolán, Considine announced her retirement during the season. She was selected for the award in acknowledgment of both her sporting legacy and long-standing contribution to mental wellbeing discourse in Ireland. Dan Sheehan, who made a remarkable impact on his return from an ACL injury, picked up the Men's Try of the Year for his effort against England in the Six Nations, while Anna McGann was acknowledged for her try against Italy. [ Munster will need to dip into their reserves of emotional energy in Durban Opens in new window ] [ Why James Lowe is determined for Cian Healy and Ross Byrne to leave Leinster with a medal this season Opens in new window ] Having been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup later this year, Erin King was a popular winner of the Energia Women's XVs Young Player of the Year. It follows her world Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award last November. Leinster and Ireland outhalf Sam Prendergast won the men's equivalent, which is named after the late Ulster player Nevin Spence. Connacht captain Cian Prendergast, a previous winner, was on hand to present the award to his younger brother. Dylan O'Grady was named as the TritonLake Men's Sevens Players' Player of the Year. Lucinda Kinghan was the recipient of the women's version of the award following a fine season. Ireland's Triple Crown success was named as the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Munster star's reaction to claiming RPI Player of the Year award from his peers
Tadhg Beirne admits he was surprised to be voted the RPI Players' Players of the Year from his peers tonight. Munster skipper Beirne, 31, saw off competition from his provincial colleague Tom Farrell plus his Ireland colleagues, the Leinster duo Jamison Gibson-Park and Caelan Doris. The Kildare man, who has been selected for his second British and Irish Lions tour, was unable to pick up his award in person at the awards ceremony in Dublin as he is with Munster in Durban ahead of Saturday's URC quarter-final against the Sharks. 'I'm honoured to be named as the OCC Consulting Men's Players' Player of the Year," said Beirne. "It comes as quite a surprise given that Caelan, Tom and Jamison have all had brilliant seasons. "To be chosen by my fellow Rugby Players Ireland members makes this award even more meaningful, and I really appreciate their support and acknowledgement.' Aoife Dalton was named the Women's XVs Players' Player of the Year after a big year for the 22-year-old. The centre is already a key figure in the Ireland side and will be hugely influential at the Rugby World Cup in England later this year. 'It's a very exciting time to be involved with this group of players," she said. "To be recognised by them at such a crucial time for this team is hard to put into words. When I first came into camp, I could sense that something was beginning to build. "And I think we have started to see the fruits of that over recent months both collectively and individually, through the performances of my fellow nominees Amee-Leigh (Costigan), Niamh (O'Dowd) and Dorothy (Wall).' Eimear Considine, who announced her retirement during the season, was recognised for her sporting legacy and longstanding contribution to mental wellbeing discourse. The Clare woman was presented with Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award as Tackle Your Feelings kicked off its 10-year anniversary celebrations. Dan Sheehan's spectacular return to Test action after his ACL lay-off saw him score a try off the bench in the Six Nations victory over England. That effort earned him the Men's XVs Try of the Year, while Anna McGann was the winner of the Women's XVs Try of the Year for finishing off a sweeping team effort against Italy in the Six Nations. Erin King, who was ruled out of the Women's World Cup with a serious knee injury, was named as the Women's XVs Young Player of the Year. The Wicklow woman picked up the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year last November. Meanwhile, Sam Prendergast was named as the Men's XVs Young Player of the Year - with his brother Cian, Connacht's captain, on hand to present the Leinster and Ireland No.10 with the award. Dylan O'Grady was named as the Men's 7s Players' Player of the Year and Lucinda Kinghan the Women's 7s Players' Player of the Year. Ireland's Triple Crown success was named as the Moment of the Year with Irish captain Caelan Doris closing out the evening by accepting the award on behalf of his teammates. OCC CONSULTING MEN'S XVs PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025 Nominees: Caelan Doris, Tom Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park OCC CONSULTING WOMEN'S XVs PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025 Nominees: Amee-Leigh Costigan, Niamh O'Dowd, Dorothy Wall NEVIN SPENCE MEN'S XVs YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025 Nominees: Gus McCarthy, Ben Murphy ENERGIA WOMEN's XVs YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025 Nominees: Ruth Campbell, Aoife Dalton MSL MERCEDES-BENZ BALLSBRIDGE MEN'S XVs TRY OF THE YEAR 2025 Dan Sheehan (v England) Nominees: Stewart Moore (v Stormers), Dan Sheehan (v Ulster Rugby) AIB CORPORATE BANKING WOMEN'S XVs TRY OF THE YEAR 2025 Anna McGann (v Italy) Nominees: Amee-Leigh Costigan (v England), Linda Djougang (v Wales) TRITONLAKE MEN'S 7s PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025 Nominees: Niall Comerford, Mark Roche TRITONLAKE WOMEN'S 7s PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025 Nominees: Hannah Clarke, Kate Farrell-McCabe ZURICH CONTRIBUTION TO IRISH SOCIETY AWARD 2025 DRUIDS GLEN HOTEL & GOLF RESORT MOMENT ON THE YEAR 2025 Ireland's Triple Crown Success accepted by Caelan Doris
