IRELAND outside half David Humphreys has been chosen as The Rugby Writers of Ireland/ Smithwicks "player of the season" and the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League Champions Shannon have been voted "club of the season".

Humphreys and Shannon were chosen in a ballot by members of the Rugby Writers of Ireland.

Humphreys, who in 1990 captained the first Ireland Schools' side to win the Triple Crown, went on to play for Ireland at Under 21, development and A levels as well lining out for the Irish Universities and Students.

When Shannon won the first division league title in 1994-95, they became the first club to do so with a 100 per cent record. By retaining the title this season they were the first club to win it in successive seasons. Their win in the Munster Senior Cup a fortnight ago was an historic achievement as they also became the first club to win the league title and provincial senior cup in the same season.

They completed a great treble by winning the Munster Junior Cup. They are also the first club to win the "club of the season" award in successive years.

The trophies were presented by Clive Brownlee, assistant managing director manager of Guinness Ireland Group and Jim Neilly, chairman of The Rugby Writers of Ireland, at a banquet in Dublin last night.

The "player of the season" award was received on behalf of David Humphreys by his father George.

David is currently in Lisbon with the Ireland's sevens squad playing in the World Cup qualifying tournament. Shannon President Dave Brockert received the "club of the season" award on behalf of his club.

Presentations were also made to former Ireland manager and coach Noel Murphy and former Ireland physiotherapist and masseur Joe loran to mark their contributions to Irish rugby.