To celebrate the launch of our new book club, we are giving away a free book light on joining.
The 2011 season is upon us and has a lot to live up to. Will Tipperary secure back to back titles?
Derek Landy, author of Skulduggery Pleasant, wins the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Decade competition.
Readiscover your local Library month is back, March 1st - 31st 2011, click here to see what's on.
The 2011 season has come to a thrilling close on 7th May. Click here for more information. 
To view the creative snaps from the winning entries in the Capture the Power competition click here.
6th June is D-Day for Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon 2011. To enter click here.
Nominees
Bord Gáis Energy IRUPA Players Player of the Year 2011
Winner:
Isa NacewaLeinster
The Fijian international has been ever present in the Leinster backline this season and has proven himself as one of Leinster’s most valuable assets and one of the finest full-backs in European Rugby. Nacewa is as solid in defence as he is exciting in attack which was evident in his performance against the Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup quart-final, which saw the former Auckland Blues player score a terrific individual try which also sees him nominated for Try of the Year.
Nominated:
Keith EarlsClub: Munster
Keith Earls has performed consistently well for both Munster and Ireland throughout the season, regardless of the position he has been asked to play. The utility back made the switch from the left wing to full back for Ireland’s Six Nations clash with England and was instrumental in Ireland’s victory, showing calmness and composure far beyond his years.
Nominated:
Sean O'BrienLeinster
Sean O’Brien made the progression to International rugby look easy with a Six Nations campaign which saw the powerful back row from Tullow pick up the Man of the Match award against Italy and a nomination for the Six Nations Player of the Championship. This season, O’Brien has proven himself as one of Ireland’s most exciting prospects for the future, displaying all the attributes needed to become a world class back row.
IRUPA Nokia Unsung Hero of the Year 2011
Winner:
Richard StraussLeinster
The South African born hooker has been a permanent feature of the Leinster front row this season and has performed consistently throughout the season. Strauss joined Leinster from the Cheetahs in 2009 and has quickly become a crowd favourite due to his physicality and high work rate.
Nominated:
Willie FaloonUlster
The openside flanker from Ballynahinch signed a professional contract for Ulster in 2008, following an impressive season in the AIL. Faloon has put in a number of outstanding performances for Ulster this season and has been involved in 17 games, which is impressive in itself considering the quality of the Ulster back row.
Nominated:
Wian du PreezMunster
The South African loosehead prop is enjoying his second spell with Munster this season, following a three month contract with the province back in 2009. Du Preez has made a significant improvement to the Munster scrum since moving from the Cheetahs on a two year deal, while also offering himself as a devastating ball carrier.
IRUPA Nature Valley Young Player of the Year 2011
Winner:
Nevin SpenceUlster
Nevin Spence has been ever-present in the Ulster midfield this season, helping Ulster reach the knock out stages of the Heineken Cup for the first time since 1999. Spence, who is still available to be selected for the Irish U20 side, has represented the Irish Wolfhounds and received a call up to the Irish training squad this season.
Nominated
Conor MurrayMunster
Conor Murray has been outstanding for his club Garryowen and Munster A for the past couple of seasons and was rewarded for his performances with a start in the Amlin Cup quarter final against Brive. In the past month, Murray has leapfrogged veteran Peter Stringer and Duncan William in the Munster scrum half pecking order, suggesting we could be seeing a lot more of Murray in the future.
Nominated:
Rhys RuddockLeinster
Rhys Ruddock has made huge strides in both the Leinster and Irish set up over the past season. Ruddock joined the Irish Senior Squad during last summer’s tour and was capped for the first time against Australia. He also became Leinster’s youngest ever captain when he led his side out during a Magners League clash against Arioni this year.
IRUPA Volkswagen Try of the Year 2011
Winner:
Fionn CarrConnacht v Scarlets Magners League
Connacht’s all-time top try scoring Fionn Carr has continued to score for fun this season, including a 50 metre sprint into the corner which helped Connacht secure a losing bonus point against the Scarlets, during their 35-33 defeat in the Magners League.
Nominated:
Craig GilroyUlster v Cardiff Magners League
Craig Gilroy had a dream debut for Ulster with two tries during Ulster’s 37-15 away win against the Cardiff Blues. Gilroy’s second try saw the young winger retrieving a Ian Humphreys chip before side stepping two Cardiff defenders to score under the posts.
Nominated:
Isa NacewaLeinster v Leicester Heineken Cup
Isa Nacewa evaded four Leicester defenders to score a superb individual try during Leinster’s quarter-final clash with Leicester. The try helped Leinster secure a 17-10 win and a place in the Heineken Cup semi-final.
Bord Gáis Energy Irupa Rugby Supporters' Player of the Year 2011
Winner:
Sean O'Brien
Club: Leinster
Bord Gáis Energy IRUPA Hall of Fame 2011
Inducted:
Malcolm O'Kelly
Leinster
O2 IRUPA Rugby Moment Of The Year 2011
Winner:
Brian O'Driscoll
Leinster
IRUPA
Take a look at the IRUPA website
Click here
