UCD Ad Astra Scholar Béibhinn Parsons wins Player of the Year for second year running
Posted 12 January 2022
UCD Ad Astra Scholar Béibhinn Parsons has for a second year in a row been named the (opens in a new window)Guinness Irish Rugby Writers Women’s Player of the Year.
The Galway native and Connacht rugby star was recognised for her series of fine performances in Ireland's 2021 Six Nations.
“Parsons once again has proved herself to be one of stars of the Irish squad, capable of scoring amazing tries and digging deep when needed,” said the Rugby Writers of Ireland.
Ms Parsons, who studies Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences at the UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, has twice now been awarded 'Women’s Player of the Year' by the group – whose members work across sports journalism in print, broadcast and online media in Ireland.
"To win this award for a second time is truly incredible so I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland for this recognition,” said the Ballinasloe winger.
“To be able to represent my country and province and receive an award for doing something I love is an absolute honour. As a team, we are determined to hit the ground running in 2022 and we’ll continue to put everything into our rugby to get where we want to be."
Congratulations to (opens in a new window)@henshawrob who's been voted men's Player of the Year & to (opens in a new window)@ParsonsBeibhinn who's been voted women's Player of the Year in the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards for 2020/21 season. (opens in a new window)pic.twitter.com/1Tt76FOCcs
— Rugby Writers of Ireland (@rugby_writers) (opens in a new window)January 12, 2022
Former UCD Geography and Economics student and Leinster and Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw was recognised by the Rugby Writers of Ireland as the Men’s Player of The Year.
The Roscommon native said he was privileged to receive the award after what he described as "one of [his] best seasons."
"It is a privilege to receive the Men's Player of the Year Award from the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland and to follow in the footsteps of many great players who have won it in the past. The 2020/2021 season was a great and, for me personally, it was probably one of the my best seasons for Leinster and Ireland."
Sinead Kissane, Chairperson of the Rugby Writers of Ireland added: “I would like to extend my congratulations to our award winners who have been voted for by members of the Rugby Writers of Ireland.
“It is important to recognise the talent and dedication of those who make huge contributions to Irish rugby. I would also like to thank Guinness for their continued sponsorship and support of these awards.”
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
