Lisburn players scoop top Ulster Rugby awards

Ulster, Ireland and Lions back row forward Stephen Ferris scooped the top accolade of Heineken Personality of the Year, singled out for his remarkable come-back from injury and subsequent barn-storming performances for Ulster and Ireland this season.

And Chris Henry was named Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year.

Ferris has been instrumental in Ulster’s success on the field this season and his level of performance is all the more remarkable given his come-back from the potentially career-ending injury he sustained last January in Round 6 of the Heineken Cup.

Twelve months ago the jury was out as to whether or not the former Friends’ pupil would ever play rugby again, but he remained resolute and determined throughout a slow and often painful recovery period and has emerged faster, fitter and stronger than ever to become a true talisman for the Province.

Words like ‘consistent’ and ‘dependable’ just don’t really seem to do justice to Chris Henry. Over the past twelve months the ex-Wallace pupil has been outstanding for Ulster and his defence and ability to slow the ball at the breakdown and win turnovers were perhaps most evident in the Heineken Cup quarter-final match against Munster at Thomond Park.

The heart and soul of the Ulster pack, Chris has adapted his style of play to really make the Ulster No7 jersey his own and become one of the best open-side flankers in Europe.

Over 300 guests gathered to celebrate achievements and development of rugby at all levels with the ceremony on Thursday night. The awards recognise the role that school, youth, club and professional players, as well as their teams and clubs, play in the development of the game in the province.