DONEGAL soccer players picked up two prestigious awards at 24th Three FAI International Football Awards, which took place at the RTÉ studios in Dublin on Sunday evening.
But there was disbelief in many circles when Ireland captain Robbie Keane scooped the Senior International Player of the Year Award, an award Killybegs man Seamus Coleman had been hotly tipped to take.
Cockhill Celtic’s Malachy McDermott made up for local disappointment when he was named Intermediate Player of the Year.
And Noel O’Donnell, who has played for the Irish Deaf Team for more than 10 years and has almost 50 caps won the Football For All Award.
Shane Long’s momentous goal against England during a friendly last May was voted the Three International Goal of the Year.
Everton’s James McCarthy captured the Young International Player of the Year for the second year running, Sean Murray was crowned the U21 Player of the Year, while Killian Brennan was voted the SSE Airtricity League Player of the year.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder, Ronnie Whelan was inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame, while Serbian legend Dejan Stankovic was awarded the International Personality of the Year award. Ciara Grant received the special merit award in recognition of her remarkable international career as one of the greatest female players in Irish football.
The Three FAI International Football Award winners are:
Senior International Player of the Year: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)
Senior Women’s International Player of the Year Louise Quinn (Eskilstuna United)
Three International Goal of the Year Shane Long (Hull City FC)
Young International Player of the Year James McCarthy (Everton FC)
SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year Killian Brennan (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Hall of Fame Award Ronnie Whelan
International Personality Award Dejan Stankovic
Special Merit Award Ciara Grant (Reading FC)
Under 21 International Player of the Year Sean Murray (Watford FC)
Under 19 International Player of the Year Pierce Sweeney (Reading FC)
Under 19 Women’s International Player of the Year Clare Shine (Raheny Utd)
Under 17 International Player of the Year Jack Byrne (Manchester City)
Under 17 Women’s International Player of the Year Savannah McCarthy (Listowel Celtic)
Under 16 International Player of the Year Robert Duggan (Peterborough United)
Junior International Player of the Year Paul Breen (St Michael’s FC)
Intermediate Player of the Year Malachy McDermott (Cockhill Celtic FC)
Football for All International Player of the Year Noel O’Donnell (Irish Deaf Football Team)
FAI School’s International Player of the Year Alan Browne (Preston North End)
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