ROB KEARNEY's outstanding year for club and country was rewarded last night when he was named IRUPA Player's Player of the Year for 2011/'12.

The Louthman received the award for the first time after a stellar season in which he has scored seven tries in 14 appearances for Leinster on their run to the Heineken Cup final and Pro12 semi-final.

He played 11 times for Ireland and scored a try against Russia at the World Cup, producing some brilliant displays -- particularly under the high ball.

"This is the first time I've received this award, which has been voted for by my peers, and I am overwhelmed, to be honest, that the other players in Ireland have chosen me," the 26-year-old said.

Ulster's Craig Gilroy won the Try of the Season award for his solo effort in the province's Heineken Cup quarter-final win over Munster at Thomond Park. Leinster's Kevin McLaughlin was voted Unsung Hero in a fans' poll.

John Hayes, who retired from rugby midway through the season, was inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame, while his old Munster colleague Mick O'Driscoll collected the IRUPA Hibernia College Medal for Excellence for services to rugby.

Irish Independent