This boy ain't finished just yet!

Both firmly at the bottom of the Magners League, last month’s Ulster-Connacht game was do-or-die for all concerned. With only four points separating the teams beforehand, more than bragging rights were on offer here. Heineken European Cup entry was also on the line.

Holding sway for much of the match, Connacht could not turn the pressure into points. Outhalf Andy Dunne missed three kickable penalties. The last, early in the second half, forced coach Michael Bradley's hand and Dunne was substituted. "It was probably one of my worst games I've had in professional rugby," said Dunne during the week.

The road out to the west has not been a direct one for the Dubliner who will be entering his ninth year as a professional rugby player next season. A couple of stints with Leinster as well as three years in the English Premiership in between before the move to Galway at the start of this season.

Dunne won the European Challenge Cup in his first year with NEC Harlequins and kicked the winning points: "It was tense kicking the final conversion in front of 20,000 people but the best was being part of the winning team. That was the highlight."

A second year with 'Quins and a difficult year with Bath followed before Dunne returned to Dublin for a season with Leinster. Having only played a handful of games at the Recreation Ground, the young out-half was delighted to be playing rugby again: "It renewed my enthusiasm for the game. It was frustrating in Bath because I was basically a professional trainer. I don't think anyone plays professional sport to just train. You train for the matches and the enjoyment that brings."

He is enjoying his rugby at Connacht and more importantly he is playing consistently, making the number 10 shirt his own. But he is not only receiving from the team, he is also giving back.

"The way Connacht play is changing. Dunner has played a big part in that. He's brought a 'let's go out and have a crack' attitude," according to last year's captain John Fogarty.

He is clearly having an effect on his team-mates: "He has a lot of experience. He says the right things at the right time. When things are going bad in a game some players might go quiet. Dunner gets louder," said Fogarty.

This effect has not gone unnoticed. Dunne has been nominated for an award at the Irish Rugby Union Player's Awards (IRUPA) for 'Unsung Hero of the Year'. Why? "He's a great team player. He has helped lift the spirits of the team over the year. He loves what he's doing and he's very passionate about what he does. And it's very obvious. He always has a big smile on his face," said Fogarty

Dunne is chuffed with the nomination: "It's a lovely honour because it's by my own peers and that's as good an honour as I can get."

But the award is only a side line. The Dubliner is not hanging up his boots just yet: "I've been involved at all levels to 'A', so one more step to go. There are chances. There will be chances."

As a 17 year old, Dunne held off Paddy Wallace and Jeremy Staunton for the out-half position on the Irish school's team. When all three played together at Under 21 level, the Dubliner was once again handed the number 10 jersey. And yet, Dunne is the only one not to have represented Ireland at the highest level: "The two guys have gone on and played for Ireland. It makes it a very possible thing to happen. But sometimes when I wasn't selected I thought it was impossible or I was fooling myself."

But he is well aware of what it takes: "All you need is to be playing well and take your chances when they come. Right place. Right time. It can happen. Guys like Bernard Jackman and Shane Byrne are good inspiration. I think they got capped at 31 or 32, so there's no reason why not."

And Dunne does not have to look too far for further inspiration. Connacht's back coach, Eric Elwood, only retired from the Connacht team at the age of 37. "I think I've plenty of mileage. I have more time left in me to play and I have the opportunity to keep doing it for a good while yet," said the 28-year-old.

For the next match, Connacht travelled to play the Newport Gwent Dragons. Dunne started on the bench but entered the fray with 20 minutes left on the clock. Trailing 11-6, Connacht scored a try deep into injury time to draw level. There was never any question about the conversion. Dunne's kick gave his team an unlikely 11-13 win.

Dunne's excellent season with Connacht, Ulster match apart, was duly rewarded when he picked up the IRUPA 'Unsung Hero of the Year' award in Dublin. But he won't be resting on his laurels for too long: "I don't think I've had the perfect performance or anything close to it yet but it is something I continually strive for."