Kieran Keane awarded life membership of Tasman
It has been a pretty special couple of days for Tasman rugby coach Kieran Keane.
On Thursday evening the Makos' mentor savoured a splendid 35-17 national provincial championship victory over defending champions Taranaki in New Plymouth. On Friday night, at the Makos annual awards dinner, he was awarded life membership of the Tasman Rugby Union, joining former chairman Max Spence as the only people to receive the accolade.
Keane is now in his final season with the Makos after seven campaigns, and will join the Chiefs coaching staff for next year's Super Rugby campaign. He was taken aback by the life membership, but honoured to be recognised in such fashion.
"It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of Tasman," said Keane.
"It has been the highlight of my coaching career so far, without a doubt. I absolutely love the job and the people and the people I have been working with and alongside, through the trials and tribulations. It's been a bit of a treat … and also done me a hell of a lot of good as a person and as a coach.
"But the time is right to move on and hand the reins over to Leon. I am sure he will do a fantastic job."
The announcement of the life membership came as a total shock to Keane, who had been told his role would be limited to presenting a couple of awards to other people on the night. He admits the previous day's exertions had taken their toll.
"I was pretty wired after the [Taranaki] game so I turned the TV on at two o'clock in the morning and the replay was on, so I watched it again. Then I had to be up at six ... by the time I got to the function in Nelson I was looking for a quiet corner. I was pretty tired. But it was a very special occasion and a huge surprise."
Keane was presented with a Brian Baxter oil painting of the view from his Waikawa Bay home as a parting gift.
Tasman RU chief executive Tony Lewis said "Kieran is known among the TRU staff and players as 'the mad professor'. He is hugely respected by his charges and renowned for creating teams that are built around a culture of togetherness and hard work, but who play rugby in an open and constructive manner.
"Over the last two years Kieran has been the face of Marlborough rugby in the union's Blenheim office where he has been devoted to ensuring that the Marlborough rugby community bought into the concept of the Tasman Rugby Union and his beloved Makos. He was always available for a chat in the office, to assist players with their ambitions, coaches and clubs who needed assistance and referee education.
"He is committed to the cause of Tasman rugby and lives and breathes the Makos concept."
Also honoured at Friday's function were Siosiua Halanukonuka who received the MakoXcell Award for "a player that displays outstanding qualities in all aspects of the Makos environment".
Liam Squire was named the Defender of the Year, an award given to the player who made the highest percentage of effective tackles and dominant tackles.
The Mondo Travel "Mako Man of the Year" was Robbie Malneek, the veteran outside back who brought up his century of games for the province against Counties Manukau. This was voted for by his fellow players.
Makos Player of the Year was Joe Wheeler. This award was given to the team's best player of 2015 for outstanding on-field performances throughout the season. The big lock has continued the form that saw him have a stand-out season with the Highlanders, bringing experience, aggression and valuable leadership to the Tasman side as they reached the NPC semifinals for the third consecutive year.
