Fahey scoops Player of the Year gong

His club may have failed to secure any silverware this season, but St Patrick's Athletic midfielder Keith Fahey finally got his hands on some last night in the shape of the PFAI Player of the Year award.

Fahey, who beat off competition from Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy and St Pat's striker Mark Quigley to win the gong, recieved his prize at a ceremony in the D4 Ballsbridge Court Hotel in Dublin on Sunday night. Also nominated for the award were the Bohs trio of Killian Brennan, Glen Crowe and Owen Heary.

First Division player of the year went to Dundalk's David Cassidy, crowning an unforgettable weekend for the 23 year old midfielder whose club sealed the First Division title in dramatic style on Saturday night and with it a place in the Premier Division for 2009. Other nomineees for the First Divison player award were Robbie Doyle (Sporting Fingal) and Conor Sinnott (Wexford Youths).

Meanwhile, recipient of the Young Player of the Year award was Derry City's Niall McGinn, who pipped James O'Shea (Galway United) and Mark Quigley (St Pat's) to land the honour.

Both Fahey and McGinn have been given the use of a new Ford Focus car for the 2009 season, as part of a sponsorship deal with Ford. However, it seems unlikley that either will be driving their respective vehicles on Irish roads next year with both being heavily linked with moves to UK clubs in the coming months.

Brian MURPHY Bohemian FC
Owen HEARY Bohemian FC
Mark ROSSITER Bohemian FC
Jason McGUINNESS Bohemian FC
Seamus COLEMAN Sligo Rovers
Niall McGINN Derry City
Joe GAMBLE Cork City
Keith FAHEY St Patrick's Athletic
Mark QUIGLEY St Patrick's Athletic
Glen CROWE Bohemian FC
Killian BRENNAN Bohemian FC

Chris BENNION Dundalk
David BREEN Waterford United
Damien BRENNAN Shelbourne
Kenny BROWNE Waterford United
Robbie CLARKE Waterford United
David CASSIDY Dundalk
Conor SINNOTT Wexford Youths
Michael FOLEY Waterford United
Robbie DOYLE Sporting Fingal
Anthony FLOOD Shelbourne
Conan BYRNE Sporting Fingal