The annual Awards night was held last week in St Muredach's College where students were awarded for academic, extra curricular and sporting achievements and as usual a great night was had by all in attendance and it was great to see the variety and standard of achievements by students of all ages.

This year was a standout year for rugby in St Muredach's as the school won the Connacht Schools Senior Development League and Development Cup - a feat never achieved before by any Connacht school - and it was great to see rugby getting recognised by the school.
Willie Ruane the CEO of Connacht Rugby was in attendance and presented the school with a framed, signed Connacht Jersey in recognition of their achievements on the field and he was on hand to give out the medals to the players of the senior squad.

As part of the ceremony, Player of the Year trophies are awarded to the players at each team grade. This year the recipients were - U14, Ciaran Boland; Junior, John Brennan and Senior, Michael Cribben

All three play their club rugby with Ballina RFC and the worthy winners all had a great season both with the school and club..

As part of the ceremony St Muredach's marks the schools links with the community and our own Gerry O'Donnell received a well-deserved award for his contribution to the development of rugby within the school and for his part in getting Russel O'Brien involved coaching rugby in St Muredach's.

It was great to see the link between the club and the college recognised and everyone at Ballina RFC would like to thank St Muredach's for the use of their pitch over the season.

It was wonderful to look back on such a spectacular season and now everyone at club and college can look forward to the 2017-18 campaign with renewed confidence.