Rockwell College coach Polly Murphy wins IRFU Spirit Of Rugby ...

Rockwell College's Polly Murphy received her Volunteer Recognition award from IRFU President Greg Barrett. Alongside Polly Murphy from Munster, Jim Moore from Connacht was recognised during the pre-match lunch at the Ireland and Italy at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, February 11th. Additionally, Conor Ryan from Leinster and John Waide from Ulster received their awards at the Ireland Versus Wales game on February 24th, standing out as shining examples of dedication and commitment. 
 
Rockwell College Principal Audrey O’Byrne nominated Polly and said that the Fethard coach has made a massive difference at the school and that she "has played an instrumental role in shaping the rugby landscape at our school. As the coach of the girls' rugby team, Polly has dedicated countless hours to fostering talent and promoting the sport among our students.

"Her influential role in promoting girls' rugby within the school community has been pivotal, nurturing the talents of current Munster Rugby players such as Kate Flannery and Beth Buttimer, among others. Polly's recognition is a testament to her tireless efforts and the positive impact she has made. 

The full list of IRFU Volunteer Recognition Award Nominees for 2023/24 are as follows:

Munster Clubs & Schools:

Theresa Hassey – Nenagh Ormond RFC
Jane O’Leary – Dolphin RFC
Liam Maher – Sunday’s Well RFC
Matthew (Matti) McCoy – Newcastle West RFC
Paddy Hurley – Skibbereen RFC
Owen Drummond – Cork Constitution RFC
Aidan O’Callaghan – Young Munster RFC
Brendan Mullan – CBS High School Clonmel
Sinead Twomey – Fermoy RFC
Eoin O’Shea – Midleton CBS
Ruth Murphy – Tralee RFC
Geoff Bates – Iveragh Eagles RFC
Polly Murphy – Rockwell College
Ger Moynihan – Killarney RFC
Micheal Hayes – Dunmanway RFC
Harry Kinsella – Mitchelstown RFC

Ulster Clubs & Schools:

Jamie Boyd – Dungannon RFC
Arnie McLean – Rainey RFC
John Waide – Ballymoney RFC
Simon Patterson – Lurgan RFC
Wendell Magwood – City of Armagh RFC
David Martin – Ballynahinch RFC

Connacht Clubs & Schools:

Caroline Place – Ballinrobe RFC
Shauna Kieran – Carrick-on-Shannon RFC
Jim Moore – Castlebar RFC

Leinster Clubs & Schools:

Helen Bolger – Good Counsel College
Claire Hughes – Holy Family Secondary School
Fosi Pala’amo – Oatlands College Rugby
Adam Malin – The High School
Lisa McGovern – De La Salle Palmerston FC
Conor Ryan – St. Mary’s CBS Portlaoise
Conor Kiely – Ratoath RFC
Terry Farrelly – Roscrea RFC
Gerry Cruise – Old Belvedere RFC
Neal Murphy – MU Barnhall RFC
Noeleen Harrison – MU Barnhall RFC
Cormac O’Kelly – Terenure College RFC
Stellah Sinnott – Enniscorthy RFC
Pauline Marlowe – Longford RFC
Joanne Dwyer – Seapoint RFC