IT WAS A perfect end to the season for Cork City on Saturday, as ex-striker Sean Maguire and boss John Caulfield were named as PFAI player and manager of the year for 2017.
Maguire scored 20 goals in 21 league appearances as City claimed their first Premier Division title in 12 years, while manager Caulfield led the side to its first ever double as they retained the FAI Cup at the Aviva Stadium earlier this month.
The 23-year-old striker led his side to the top of the table as City went 22 games unbeaten, before departing to Preston North End in the Championship where he started regularly before suffering an injury setback a fortnight ago.
Maguire appeared on crutches as he claimed his award last night in Dublin after suffering a hamstring injury which could see him ruled out until February.
He made his international debut against Moldova last month but expressed his disappointment that he could play no part in last week’s play-off defeat to Denmark, meaning Ireland failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
He featured alongside team-mates Ryan Delaney and Gearóid Morrissey in the 2017 PFAI Team of the Year which included four players from league runners-up Dundalk.
City manager Caulfield claimed the PFAI Manager of the Year award ahead of Lilywhites boss Stephen Kenny and Bohemians manager Keith Long, who also enjoyed a successful season finishing fifth.
Here’s the lads getting their awards tonight - well done to everyone! #PFAIrelandAwards17 pic.twitter.com/LncaQvq5o7
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) November 18, 2017
19-year-old Shamrock Rovers defender Trevor Clarke picked up the Young Player of the Year award, while Kieran Marty Waters was named as First Division Player of the Year following a season in which he scored 15 league goals for Cabinteely.
James McClean was named Overseas Player of the Year ahead of Shane Duffy and Robbie Brady, following a successful campaign where the West Brom winger was instrumental in leading Ireland towards a World Cup play-off, while the International Women’s Player of the Year award went to newly-appointed Ireland captain Katie McCabe.
The night also saw over €10,000 raised in aid of the Ryan McBride Foundation, which was named as the PFAI’s 2017 Charity of the Year in honour of the late Derry City captain who tragically passed away in March.
PFAI Player of the Year: Sean Maguire
Manager of the Year: John Caulfield
Young Player of the Year: Trevor Clarke
First Division Player of the Year: Kieran Marty Waters
Overseas Player of the Year: James McClean
International Women’s Player of the Year: Katie McCabe
Referee of the Year: Paul McLaughlin
Premier Division Team of the Year: Gerard Doherty (Derry City), Sean Gannon (Dundalk), Niclas Vemmelund (Dundalk), Ryan Delaney (Cork City), Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Aaron McEneff (Derry City), Patrick McEleney (Dundalk), Gearoid Morrissey (Cork City), David McMillan (Dundalk), Ronan Murray (Galway United), Sean Maguire (Cork City)
First Division Team of the Year: Niall Corbet (UCD), Evan Osam (UCD), Kenny Browne (Waterford), Daniel O’Reilly (Longford Town), Chris McCarthy (Cobh Ramblers), Greg Sloggett (UCD), Garry Comerford (Waterford), Derek Daly (Waterford), Kieran Marty Waters (Cabinteely), Georgie Kelly (UCD), David McDaid (Waterford)
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
1. Gary Breen
2. Gary Breen
3. Gary Breen
4. Gary Breen
5. Gary Breen
6. Gary Breen
7. Gary Breen
8. Gary Breen
9. Gary Breen
10. Gary Breen
11 Gary Breen
There’s only 1 Gary Breen (sing it)
Now that team would have no bother Knocking a few past the Estonians!!
Please let all this Euro 2012 bullsh*t go away quickly.
Come on Estonia.
What about Keith Andrews and Caleb Folan?
That’s some team alright!
What! No Ronnie Whelan, Mark Lawrenson, Packie Bonner or John Aldridge
Should argue that the team was based on consensus, but not outright agreement, between the four co-managers. I had Bonner and Aldo in my eleven!
No Kevin Kilbane? I’m out.
Packie as GK I would argue.
Fact.
Great team – maybe Moran at the back instead of Dunne, but a close call.
Great bench too – Aldridge, Duff, O’Leary, Bonner, Quinn, Whelan, Townsend.
Agreed on Moran, not arguing with Dunne’s contribution but Moran has three major tournaments behind him. Possibly Aldo/Givens instead of Stapo??
Well what about Liam Whelan? Tony Dunne? Noel Cantwell? Johnny Carey? All should be considered except they played before armchair afficianados knew best.
Also it would be easier if you adopted the classic ‘W’ formation when allocating positions viz 1 Goalkeeper, 2 Right Back, 3 Left Back, 4 Right-Half, 5 Centre-Half, 6 Left-Half, 7 Outside Right, 8 Inside Right, 9 Centre Foward 10 Inside Left, 11 Outside Left
Sorry to be so old fashioned!
dead on but very little footage of these lads in action.
As brilliant as Liam Whelan was for United, he only had four caps for Ireland. That’s too little to be considered. Dunne rarely repeated his United form for Ireland.
Well Miguel only four caps yes but that was because he was killed at Munich. He’s was Ireland’s Duncan Edwards
wouldnt have staunton in there, irwin should be at LB. no because i dislike him as a manager, i just dont feel he was that good despite his 100+ caps. kilbane has that many and nobody rates him that highly
better irish RB would be carr, gary kelly or finnan.
john o shea won a stack of medals at united so possibly him at lb if irwin is at rb
Great except for the notable exception of one Gary Doherty
What! No Tony Grealish? The Chuck Norris of Irish football. Remember that 40 yard screamer vs Cyprus.
davie langan 12foot tall when he pulled on the green jersey one of irelands best ever
Forgotten Heroes
GK: Dean Kiely
RB: Gary Kelly
CB: Gary Breen
CB: Phil Babb
LB: Ian Harte
RM: Jason McAteer
CM: Mark Kinsella
LM: Kevin Kilbane
RF: David Connolly
CF: Gary Doherty
LF: Clinton Morrison
Where is steve highway, heart of Mick McCarthy more than the skills,
That’s a great team, no complaints there. Subs bench of Kevin Moran, Ronnie Whelan, John Aldridge, Quinner and Mick McCarthy.
What !
No Gary Waddock ?
No Ashley Grimes ?!!
What about Bernie Slaven ?!!!
Terry Phlean…any games?
Quinny instead of stapleton maybe, Lawrenson for Dunne maybe/maybe not? Duff/Houghton?, Very tight calls, Also it is quite a recent team, giles apart, Did any of the greats of the past get a look in? It is a great team however and would take a bit of beating!
I wouldn’t let Roy Keane near an Irish shirt.
0-0 tonight and 1-1 on Tuesday.
To offer my two (or maybe 11) cents… based exclusively on their performances for Ireland and effect on biggest games
1. Packie Bonner
2. Chris Hughton
3. Denis Irwin
4. Paul McGrath
5. Kevin Moran
6. Roy Keane
7. Ray Houghton
8. John Giles
9. Robbie Keane
10. Niall Quinn
11. Liam Brady
Don’t think much of Keane as a footballer. Great heart yes and Irish through & through!
Can’t argue too much about that selection. Pity no room for Ronnie Whelan. For 32 counties add Jennings,Dougan & Best…..NOW you’re talking World beaters!
. Packie Bonner
. .Steve Finnan Richard Dunne paul McGrath Denis irwin
Damian Duff Roy Keane
Johnny Giles
Liam Brady
Robbie Keane
Niall Quinn
cant forget about this amazing centre back also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoUNrjrRXw8
0-0 tonight, 1-1 Tuesday.
shu-upyatick
No place for Clinton McMorris??!!!!!
Seriously though, great team, I might just make one change…Duff for Houghton!