Ballina and Lacken celebrate after Doris nominated for prestigious award

There were celebrations in Ballina rugby circles this morning after it was announced that Caelan Doris had been nominated for the prestigious Bank of Ireland Players’ Player of the Year award.

The former Ballina Mini and Youth player was nominated alongside Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan for the accolade which was won last year by reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, Josh van der Flier.

The Lacken native established himself as one of the best players in the game during the past season, enjoying a superb campaign where he was credited with kickstarting Ireland’s route to Grand Slam glory with his try after two minutes against Wales.

Ballina RFC chairman Alan Rowe said the club is exceptionally proud of their former player who nevers forgets his own.

“Caelan’s first international jersey is hanging in the clubhouse with a very nice note attached, thanking his coaches and those who started him off on his amazing journey. He is a role-model for everyone in Ballina Rugby Club and we watch his progress with great delight. To say we’re proud of him would be an understatement and we’re all hoping he’ll get his hands on the World Cup later this year and bring it back to Heffernan Park. The club is thriving at the moment and to have one of our own at the top of the game globally adds to the energy around the place,” he added.

The Rugby Players Ireland Awards will be hosted by former players Barry Murphy and Andrew Trimble at The Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge next Wednesday, May 17.