Ireland internationals Tommy Bowe, Eoin Reddan and Jamie Heaslip have been nominated for the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) Players' Player of the Year award.

The three have been among the few positives in a disappointing year for Irish rugby.

The emergence on the international stage of London Wasps scrumhalf Reddan has brought much needed competition to a position dominated for years by Munster's Peter Stringer.

Bowe has shone at international and provincial level despite Ulster enduring a torrid season.  His coming of age has been rewarded by Neath-Swansea Ospreys who he joins at the start of next season.

Bowe has also been nominated for try of the year along with Ulster teammate Andrew Trimble and Leinster's Rob Kearney.

Number eight Heaslip was one of Ireland's standout performers in a poor Six Nations, while his form with Leinster has been invaluable to their push for the Magners League title.

Among the nominations for Young Player of the Year are Ireland and Leinster prop Cian Healy, Munster fullback and Gloucester's tormentor-in-chief Denis Hurley and Ulster outhalf Niall O'Connor.

Niall Woods, chief executive of IRUPA said today: "Winning an award voted for by players who you play and compete against is the best tribute for any rugby player.

"The awards ceremony not only celebrates those players who perform week in week out during the season but will also raise much needed funds for the IRUPA Injured Players Fund."

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 23rd.

BT IRUPA Players Player of the Year 2008

Tommy Bowe                         Ulster

Jamie Heaslip                         Leinster

Eoin Reddan                           London Wasps

IRUPA Club Energise Sport Unsung Hero of the Year 2008

Rory Best                                Ulster

Andy Dunne                            Connacht

Niall Ronan                              Munster

IRUPA Green Giant Newcomer of the Year 2008

Cian Healy                               Leinster

Denis Hurley                           Munster

Niall O'Connor                         Ulster

IRUPA Tyrone Crystal Try of Year 2008

Tommy Bowe                         Ireland v Scotland

Rob Kearney                           Ireland v Scotland

Andrew Trimble                       Ulster v Gloucester

IRUPA Hooke & MacDonald Hall of Fame 2008

Nomination issued on Tuesday 15th April