Buccaneers won a handful of awards at the Connacht Rugby Awards Ball in Galway on Sunday night, April 30.
Following the Pirates Division 1B league title triumph and promotion, Buccaneers head coach Brett Wilkinson claimed the Coach of the Year accolade.
Jordan Conroy, whose 18 tries were a major contribution to the Athlone side’s success, was named Senior Club Player of the Year. Niall Murray took the honours as U18 Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, on the professional rugby front, Conor McKeon won the Academy Player Award with Tiernan O’Halloran being selected as Connacht Back of the Year, for which Jack Carty was also nominated. Former Buccaneer, John O’Brien of Connemara was named Junior Club Player of the Year.
The Buccaneers Youths and Minis Awards take place in The Bounty on Sunday, May 7. This commences with presentations to Minis players from 4pm in the Lower Deck. Presentations to the Youths players will follow at around 7pm.
Buccaneers Senior Awards Gala takes place on Saturday week, May 13, at the Athlone Sheraton Hotel at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the hotel, at A Room In Bloom, or by contacting club administrator Geraldine on (086 ) 1732711. Early purchase is recommended for what should be a most enjoyable occasion.
At time of writing, only the Buccaneers Senior Player of the Year nominees are to hand and all are highly worthy contenders: Jordan Conroy, Alan Gaughan, and Kolo Kiripati.
The Seconds, U20s, and Women’s Player of the Year Awards will also be made at the event, as will the unveiling of the Buccaneers Clubperson of the Year.
Buccaneers players who have represented Ireland during the season will also be honoured on the night. Specially commissioned pieces of Athlone Crystal will be presented to the various winners.
