Niall Murray has made an impact since seeing his first team minutes increase.
Athlone's Niall Murray has been nominated for the Connacht fans player of the year.
The lock will face competition from Tom Daly and Gavin Thornberry for the award.
Murray made 11 appearences for Connacht in the shortened season, clocking up 532 minutes, 34 carries for 80 metres and 94 tackles.
With Quinn Roux leaving the Westerners, The 6ft 4in lock will be hopeful of an increase in playing time when the new PRO 16 begins.