FAI AWARDS:KEVIN DOYLE rounded off a decent weekend by picking up the main prize at the 3-sponsored FAI International awards which were presented at a ceremony in RTÉ last night.
Doyle, whose goal in the win over Andorra was also named as the year’s best, was rewarded for an impressively consistent year, but fresh on his mind was his winning goal for Wolves against Manchester United on Saturday.
“It’s been a nice couple of days alright,” said Doyle. “Obviously we desperately needed that win over United, hopefully it will give us momentum that will carry us through to the end of the season.”
Shane Long was handed the Young Player award while Seamus Coleman, who is set to make his senior debut tomorrow evening, won the Under-21 prize. The efforts of the women’s Under-17 side which reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago was recognised with a Special Merit Award.
Winners – Senior:Kevin Doyle (Wolves). Goal of the Year:Kevin Doyle (v Andorra). Young:Shane Long (Reading). U-21: Seamus Coleman (Everton). League of Ireland:Gary Twigg (Shamrock Rovers). U-19: Conor Clifford (Chelsea). U-17: Sean McGinty (Manchester Utd). U-16: Mikey Drennan (Aston Villa). Women – Senior:Fiona O'Sullivan (AIK Stokholm). U-19:Becky Walsh (Salthill Devon). Junior International:Ross Carrig (Killester Utd). Intermediate: Seamie Crowe (Athenry). Football for All:Richard Dougherty (Irish Deaf Men's Squad). Schools:Robert Benson (Marist College, Athlone). Hall of Fame:Frank Stapleton. International Personality:Ian Rush. Special Merit Award:Republic of Ireland Women's U-17 Team.
