Kidney led Munster to the Heineken Cup final last season and to a third place finish in the Celtic League.

The awards were made today in the Berkeley Court by Sports Minister John ODonoghue TD.

Kidneys challengers for the overall award included Brian Cody who guided Kilkenny to the League, Leinster and All Ireland titles, Kerrys All Ireland title winning manager Jack OConnor and the Triple Crown and Autumn international grand slam winning coach Eddie OSullivan who was represented at the function by Niall ODonovan who was assistant coach to Kidney when Munster reached the Heineken Cup finals in 2000 and 2002.