Connacht Clan Player of the Year 2016 Shortlist

I think it's a testament to the season we've had that any of those listed could easily win. I've actually been thinking about it for a couple of weeks now and it's Aki and Bealham for me. Bundee seems to have a barnstormer every week. It's like we take it for granted now. He's the best signing we've ever made and is a dead cert for an Irish cap. He might be our first ever centrally contracted player? Lets hope so. Finlay has had an incredible season and seems to get better with every game, particularly after his Irish cap. The fact that he's so young just makes it all the more impressive. I was nearby in the bohermore terrace when he got his 'meat pie' on Saturday and you could see how much it meant to him. They might both be adopted Irishmen but you could never question their commitment to Connacht.

I need to contact you privately if that's possible. Something for after the Glasgow game.
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God how hard is it to pick from those lists!!!

I go Aki, then think my god how could it not be Muldoon. Then I look at Dillane and think Bealham has played every game and improved just so much. He looks genuine quality.

Great time for us all.

It's worth saying that there is no way we'd be in the position we are now if the group of players wasn't such a "team". In that sense, individual awards seem a little contradictory to the teams ethos.

BUT, for me I'd have to say Bundee and Finlay too. We've got so many great players in both categories, but these two have combined top quality with quantity. I think I'm right in saying that Bundee is right up there in terms of minutes played, and Finlay has featured in every game? Outstanding.

Sacrilege but Bundee isn't my 1st choice, very good but missed some tacles and lost his nerve sometimes
I go with Dillane overall, absolutely massive for Connacht and Ireland
SOB 2.0 for young player of the year

And no one has mentioned Matt Healy yet!!!

Would be fantastic to give both awards to the whole team en bloc, to mark the genuinely extraordinary year and effort?

Could we at least have it as a voting option?!!!

Those shortlists looks good don't be surprised if Finlay and Ultane are in both. When will the vote be open?

Whoever is in either list it will be hard to pick from

Darragh wrote:
Would be fantastic to give both awards to the whole team en bloc, to mark the genuinely extraordinary year and effort?

!

It would be nice to give something to Pat and the squad as a whole from the Clan to say thanks for our best season ever. What a joy they've been to watch.

RonanL wrote: I think I'm right in saying that Bundee is right up there in terms of minutes played, and Finlay has featured in every game? Outstanding.

Connachta put up the league minutes stats somewhere last week and Bundee was several hundred minutes ahead of everyone else (he's only been subbed off once or twice so has been binned for longer than he's been rested). And as you say, Finlay has appeared in every single game both league and in Europe. Honourable mentions fo Dillane and Mul, but I know where my votes are going.

yep aki and bealham for me also, is there really any need for a poll

It's still important to recognise outstanding individual contributions