Rugby: McCann at the double in Ulster end of season awards
David McCann has won two of the end of season Ulster Rugby awards after an excellent campaign in the back row.
He collected the Writers’ Player of the Year and Supporters Men's Player of the Year, while John Cooney was the Supporters Club choice for the 2023-24 season.
McCann has built on the foundations he set in the closing period of the 2022/23 season, and has raised his game to the next level. The former RBAI talent's excellent decision-making through the campaign has seen the media who regularly cover the club vote him as their Player of the Year.
McCann has excelled this season, becoming an ever-present in the back row, with 13 turnovers and 158 tackles made in the URC this season. He's likely to be in the conversation for future international recognition with the rich vein of form he has showed throughout the season.
In a rollercoaster season for the club, John Cooney also experienced his own ups and downs. The fan-favourite admitted to the press that he hadn't been enjoying his rugby and began to doubt himself, however a chat with new Head Coach Richie Murphy rejuvenated the scrum-half.
Cooney made huge contributions towards the province’s push for the play-offs and securing Champions Cup rugby for next season. His goal-kicking was excellent, with match-winning contributions against Cardiff, Benetton and Leinster. His last-minute winning kick against Leinster at a packed Kingspan Stadium will live long in supporters’ memories.
Brittany Hogan has picked up the Women’s Player of the Year.
A key member of Ulster and Ireland, Hogan continues to shine for both province and country. The back-row player has nailed down the number eight shirt this season and has put in impressive performances in the Women’s Six Nations.
She was the Player of the Match in Ireland’s 15-12 victory over Scotland at he Kingspan Stadium, a victory that would seal third place in the table and qualification for next year’s World Cup.
The other awards were as follows:
Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year: Luke Marshall
Men’s Young Player of the Year: Harry Sheridan
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Sophie Barrett
Ulster Rugby Foundation Community Impact Award: Civil Service NI RFC
Club of the Year: Ballyclare RFC
Club Player of the Year: Bradley McNamara (Instonians RFC)
Dorrington B Faulkner (Services to Rugby): John Carleton (Grosvenor RFC)
Referee of the Year: Keane Davison (Omagh RFC)
Ulster Girls’ Youth Player of the Year: Erin McConalogue (Inisihowen RFC)
Ulster Boys’ Youth Player of the Year: Dylan Fox (Malone RFC)
Girls Schools’ Player of the Year: Niamh Fulton (Sullivan Upper)
Boys Schools’ Player of the Year: Conor Magee (Banbridge Academy)