Boh's keeper voted supporter's Player of the Season

Bohemian FC shot-stopper Brian Murphy has been voted as the eircom League of Ireland Premier Division Player of the Season by a poll of supporters on the league's official site.

Murphy played an integral role in the Gypsies’ title success, conceding just 12 goals in the 31 matches played so far in the season.

Supporters were asked to pick their Player of the Season for each position, and were then asked to nominate their overall Player of the Season. Over 12,000 supporters took part in the poll, with fans highlighting the magnificent form of several Bohemians players.

Murphy was singled out as the overall Player of the Season, with club teammates Owen Heary and Killian Brennan coming in second and third place respectively.

Supporters voted nine Bohemians players on the Team of the Season, with St. Patrick’s Athletic ace Keith Fahey and Derry City hitman Mark Farren the only non-Bohs players voted onto the team.

The Gypsies’ incredible defensive record is reflected by an all-Bohs back five of Brian Murphy, Owen Heary, Liam Burns, Ken Oman and Conor Powell. Three Bohemians players were selected in midfield, with Anto Murphy, Gary Deegan and Killian Brennan voted on alongside St. Pat’s star Fahey. Upfront, Glen Crowe was voted as Farren’s striking partner.

Of all the players voted on the Team of the Season, it was Murphy who was singled out for his outstanding displays. Speaking to the FAI, Murphy said that it was a real honour to receive the plaudits of supporters.

Brian Murphy said: "It's great to be singled out by supporters. Obviously, it's been a great season but it really has been a team effort. Our defence has been very solid because we have defended from the front as a team. Our 'goals against' column is very good, but our 'goals for' column is the highest in the league so we have been strong all over the field.

"We felt at the start of the season that we had a very good team. We had a good team last year too but for whatever reason we never pushed on and challenged. Pat [Fenlon] has come in and he has brought some very good people with him. For me, Dermot O'Neill [goalkeeping coach] has been fantastic.

"The fact that we won the league by such a wide margin is a credit to everybody at the club. Hopefully now we can go on and win the FAI Ford Cup on November 23rd. Derry City are probably the best football side we have played this season so it is going to be tough, but there is a massive prize at stake and we'll be doing our best to end the season with another win."

eircom League of Ireland Director Fran Gavin joined with supporters of the league in congratulating Murphy on his incredible form.

Fran Gavin said: “I am delighted that supporters have recognised Brian’s phenomenal form because sometimes goalkeepers do not get the credit they deserve. Brian’s form for Bohemians this season has been the equivalent of a striker scoring 20 goals. He is a marvelous asset to his club and to the entire league.” <'/p>