Though the Irish team ended up without the Triple Crown after their loss to Scotland last week, there was some consolation for Tommy Bowe, who was named RBS Six Nations Player of the Championship.

The Ospreys player won almost half of the public vote to secure the prize, and the Monaghan native was delighted with the individual honor.

Former internationals nominated a shortlist of six players, which was posted on the RBS Six Nations website. Rugby fans then made the final selection by public vote.

“For some of the big names to have put me in the six names to be chosen and for the fans to pick me is great.  A massive thanks to them.  I am delighted,” Bowe told RTE.

Though Bowe, who scored three tries in during the Six Nations , was disappointed that Ireland did not win the Triple Crown, he tried to take the positives out of this year’s Championship.

“We can take an awful lot from the tournament. We played some good rugby, and we scored good tries.  Myself and Keith Earls were the top try scorers in the tournament so there is a lot to take out of it.”

Bowe will be back in action for Ireland in the summer when Declan Kidney and his team head to Australia and New Zealand on tour.