Ronan Finn named SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association Player of the Month for April
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Dundalk FC midfielder Ronan Finn has been named April’s SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association Player of the Month.
Finn was a star performer for the Lilywhites during the past month having scored five goals, becoming his side’s top-scorer this term, and in the process being a central figure in Dundalk picking up 13 points from a possible 15 in league matters, leaving them clear at the summit of the Premier Division table as they seek three league titles in succession.
The Dubliner has lifted his performances this season following an inconsistent 2015 and locals are now starting to feel confident that Finn can fill the void left by their departed hero Richie Towell.
Upon receiving the award, Finn admitted that he was delighted to win the award. Finn said: "It’s my first time to win it so I’m delighted. A few of the lads in the squad have won one and I've had a couple of seconds so it’s nice to finally win one.
“April was a good month for us as a team, we picked up some good results and we have kept that good form going. Standards are high and the hunger is still definitely there. Stephen (Kenny) made sure that never slipped.”
Finn’s scoring record is all the more impressive due to the fact that Dundalk have only one fit striker available to Stephen Kenny at the minute, meaning that there was an emphasis on Finn was to step-up.
David McMillan is their lone fit striker at the moment, with Ciarán Kilduff, Michael O’Connor and Ciarán O’Connor all unavailable through different injuries.
However, Finn believes that in their absence the depleted squad have pulled together and stepped up to the mark.
“David has been great. We’ve had players from all over the pitch chipping in with goals too. I wouldn’t say we’re down to the bare bones but we’re limited at the moment. We’re lucky we have a strong squad.”
In winning the award, Finn beat off competition from Galway United striker Vinny Faherty who finished second. Finn’s Dundalk team-mate Daryl Horgan was third.
