AWARD SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR:MICHAEL O'NEILL was last night named Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland personality of the year for 2011, while Derry City's Ger Doherty won the organisation's goalkeeper of the year award.

O’Neill beat off competition from last year’s winner – Paul Cook of Sligo Rovers – as well as Cork City manager Tommy Dunne and three players – Pat Sullivan, Joseph Ndo and Eamon Zayed – to lift the main award.

It was no great surprise after what was a remarkable year for the Northerner, who guided Shamrock Rovers to success in the Setanta Cup and League of Ireland Premier Division. The club’s successful defence of its championship title, however, was almost overshadowed by its run in Europe which included impressive displays in Tallinn, Copenhagen and, most memorably, Belgrade, as the side became the first from this country to qualify for the group stages of a major Uefa club competition.

In those group stages Rovers were drawn with Rubin Kazan, PAOK and Tottenham Hotspur and while the Dubliners failed to pick up any points, they did turn in creditable displays, most notably in London and Thessalonica.

O’Neill juggled his resources well and, despite the demands of their schedule, Rovers retained their title impressively, clinching it at Belfield in their second last game when they came from behind to beat UCD with 10 men.

The former Hibernian, Coventry City and Newcastle United midfielder succeeded Nigel Worthington as Northern Ireland manager at the end of the year, beating off competition from the likes of Jim Magilton and Iain Dowie.

Former Republic of Ireland boss Eoin Hand received the organisation’s special merit award for his services to football.

THE FAI have announced the appointment of Max Hamilton as commercial and marketing director. Hamilton, originally from Greystones, has worked for the last four years at the NBA’s London office, having previously been in advertising in Australia.