Morgan Treacy of Inpho Photography has won the inaugural IRB/Emirates Airline Rugby Photograph of the Year award for his shot of Clontarf's Phillip Purdue during an AIB League match last March.

The announcement was made at the launch of the IRB World Rugby Yearbook 2007 in London.

The winning photo, entitled "Mud, Glorious Mud", was taken during the Division One clash between Clontarf and Belfast Harlequins - on a particularly weather-beaten day at Castle Avenue - and depicts back rower Purdue caked in mud and drawing breath following the loss of a lineout.

IRB Chairman Dr. Syd Millar said: "Morgan Treacy's black and white picture is a really striking image that people involved in the game at all levels, whether a player or supporter, can relate to. It is a starkly emotional picture, encapsulating a moment of sheer physical exhaustion and is a worthy winner of this inaugural award."

Treacy will be presented at the IRB Awards in Glasgow on November 26 with a trip for two to the Emirates Airline-sponsored Dubai Sevens.

He said: "The picture was taken after a lineout had been lost and captures the look of despair and exhaustion on the face of the mud-covered player. It also clearly shows that emotion and drama is not confined to the professional ranks, but can also be found in the amateur game where the weekend player, like the one in the picture, endures difficult conditions with little or no reward, except for the love of the game."

- Morgan's work features on IrishRugby.ie on a regular basis as most of the imagery on our site is sourced from www.Inpho.ie

Congratulations Morgan from everyone at IrishRugby.ie -