FAI Player of the Year Awards: Departing Republic of Ireland skipper Kenny Cunningham was yesterday named along with Richard Dunne and Shay Given amongst the nominees for this year's Eircom-sponsored FAI player of the year award, writes Emmet Malone, Soccer correspondent
Cunningham featured in all of Ireland's games last year, leading the team through some difficult encounters and producing some impressive performances even as the campaign for a place at next summer's World Cup finals fell short of what was required. In October he led the Republic out for the last time against Switzerland, his 27th time to captain the side and the 72nd occasion on which the 34-year-old had represented his country.
Dunne, who battled his way back into Brain Kerr's starting line-up after a long absence, joins him on the shortlist. Prior to game against France (October 9th, 2004) the Manchester City defender hadn't started a competitive game at international level for four years.
However, after a succession of problems at club level both he and his game had matured to the point where Kerr opted to start him rather than Andy O'Brien alongside Cunningham for the three closing matches of the campaign.
Both men face stiff opposition from Shay Given, the Newcastle United goalkeeper who had another outstanding year. The 29-year-old Donegalman missed just one game in 2005, the friendly against China in March, and defied injury on a couple of occasions to play every minute of the six competitive matches undertaken by Ireland.
By his own standards the four goals conceded will have been a disappointment and yet it would be almost impossible to fault the player's contribution.
Given was regularly Ireland's best player over the course of the campaign, making vital contributions in almost every game, perhaps most memorably and unexpectedly, in Cyprus where the many outstanding saves he made - including a particularly fine one from the penalty spot - ensured that the side's hopes of reaching Germany remained alive during the build up to the visit of Switzerland to Lansdowne Road four days later.
The goal of the year trophy, meanwhile, will go to one of two men with Robbie Keane earning a nomination for his wonderful first-time strike in the 2-2 draw with Israel at Lansdowne Road while Clinton Morrison is included twice for goals scored within four days of each other in March, the first against Israel away and the second against China at home.
In the other most high-profiled categories Kevin Doyle, Stephen Elliott and Andy Reid are contenders for the young player award while Doyle receives a second nomination - this time for under-21 player - along with Brighton goalkeeper Wayne Henderson and striker Jay Tabb of Brentford.
Doyle, who started the season with Cork City, where his contribution was sufficient to ensure he receives a championship medal, has made a major impact at Reading and the Wexford-born forward could win a second league winner's medal in the one year if his new club can maintain their early season form in the English Championship.
Two of his former Cork City team-mates - Joe Gamble and George O'Callaghan - receive nominations in the Eircom League section with the short list being completed by veteran Derry City defender Peter Hutton.
Gamble and O'Callaghan were, perhaps, the brightest stars of City's title-winning show, developing an effective partnership in central midfield. Hutton is recognised again for his form and leadership at City, whose revival and success in the League Cup was in no small part attributable to resurgent displays from some of the club's most familiar faces.
The winners will be announced at the association's annual banquet at Citywest on February 26th.
