Goalkeeper
Micheál Schlingermann (Drogheda United)
The goalkeeper was quick off his line to deny Ian Bermingham a crossing opportunity at the near-post in the first-half, and he went on to stop both Ciaran Kilduff and Aaron Greene in the second-half when St Pat’s were really pushing for a third goal, which would have given them a 3-1 lead. His save from Greene’s header, in particular, was superb, backtracking and tipping the winger’s header over his crossbar.
Defenders
Sean Gannon (Dundalk)
Back to his rampaging best down Dundalk’s right flank against Galway United, full-back Gannon made the second goal and was key in creating the few chances in a dull first-half. Adept at the back or going forward, Gannon gave a complete performance.
Anto Murphy (Bohemians)
The Bohemians defender snuffed out every opportunity that Sligo Rovers had at the Showgrounds, as well as making a number of crucial interceptions to keep the hosts scoreless.
Lloyd Buckley (Drogheda United)
The youngster netted his second goal in as many games to hand Drogheda United the lead in Inchicore, and then won several important headers at crucial times in the game to help his side secure a valuable point.
John Kavanagh (Cork City)
To the casual observer, the Cork City full-back may not have done anything special against Longford Town, but Kavanagh’s game is based on doing the simple things right — again and again — like an Irish Cesar Azpilicueta. It says a lot that Brian Lenihan’s departure to Hull City last season has hardly weakened City at all. This is Kavanagh’s fifth team-of-the-week appearance in a row.
Midfielders
Keith Fahey (Shamrock Rovers)
Was always hungry to get on the ball and make things happen for Rovers against Bray Wanderers, particularly during an otherwise pedestrian first-half. His influence grew as the game wore on, with Bray unable to prevent the Irish international from picking holes in their defence. Fahey had a hand in all three goals.
Richie Towell (Dundalk)
Dundalk’s captain and fan favourite Stephen O’Donnell was restricted to another brief cameo from the bench on Monday night, and it’s little wonder why when Towell produces performances like he did against Galway. His three goals — a penalty, a close-range effort and a stunning curler — won the game, but overall Towell was a real powerhouse in midfield.
Ryan Brennan (Shamrock Rovers)
With many of his team-mates often grabbing the headlines, Brennan’s contributions can go under the radar. However, he was superb on Monday at the Carlisle Grounds. Playing in between the lines, he regularly found pockets of space to hurt the hosts and capped a fine display off with a powerful header after the break.
Forwards
Mark Timlin (Derry City)
In what was a quiet game in general between Limerick and Derry City, Timlin’s strike was the only real moment of quality. He had the beating of the understandably off-pace full-back Shane Tracy and he exploited that to good effect.
Mikey Drennan (Shamrock Rovers)
The former Aston Villa striker was disappointed not to have a hat-trick against Bray but he did open the scoring on the half-hour mark. Drennan says he needs to work on his finishing, but with six goals for the campaign already, the Kilkenny man seems to be doing just fine.
Billy Dennehy (Cork City)
It was Dennehy’s cross striking the post which led to the first goal for Garry Buckley against Longford, and all night the Kerry winger looked likeliest to create something for the hosts. Unlucky on a couple of occasions not to get on the scoresheet himself.
Originally published at 13.59
I really can’t wait to see them bring a great brand of rugby to the league again.
He’s an innovative coach with exceptional people skills & Connacht are lucky to have him.
Hope it produces results on the field.
On their day Connacht are one of the better Irish teams to watch. Good that they have a squad of 44 to call upon this year. If they could get back that spark of 2016 that would be tremendous.
They are doing well under Friend and the Connacht coaching staff.