League of Ireland:The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, last night called for a merger between the FAI and IFA, arguing the move would provide substantial benefits to football across Ireland.
"I believe the time is now right for both football organisations to sit down together for serious discussions on the basis that together they can achieve so much more than remaining apart," he told members of the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland at their annual banquet in Dundalk.
"When they balance the pros and cons of having one all-island football organisation, the ledger will, I believe, come down heavily on a harmonious coming together of two noble Irish football traditions and organisations," he said before citing the Setanta Cup as an example of the way the two associations have shown they can work together to benefit the game here.
Pat Fenlon was named the Eircom Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Personality of the Year. Fenlon beat off competition from two other managers, Stephen Kenny and Pat Scully, as well as three players - Owen Heary, Roy O'Donovan and Peter Hutton.
The Dubliner was widely acclaimed for his handling of the financial crisis at Shelbourne and his marshalling of the club's players to another league title against a background of mounting chaos behind the scenes. It is the second time Fenlon has lifted this award.
David Forde was named Goalkeeper of the Year, Michael Devine and Barry Ryan having also made the shortlist. The 27-year-old, who left Derry City for Cardiff at the end of the Irish season, had an impressive year at the Brandywell.
Des Casey received the organisation's Special Merit award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the game.
A native of Dundalk, Casey was first elected to the Oriel Park board in 1963 and went on to hold key positions in the league and FAI. He also became a powerful figure in Uefa, ultimately being elected vice-president in 2000.
