The FAI yesterday honoured a number of clubs and individuals for the 1997/98 season. Fourteen awards in total were handed out at a reception in Dublin in categories for fair play, leading goalscorers, the media, referees and special contributions.
Chairman of the National League Michael Hyland paid special tribute to Kilkenny City (Premier Division) and Athlone Town (First Division) who both picked up the fair play award. The top goalscoring award went to Stephen Geoghegan for his 17 goals with Shelbourne in the Premier Division while Fergal Coleman of Galway United was tops in the First Division with 13 goals.
There were also awards for Michael Tomney and Sean Brady who both retired at the end of the season after a long service as referees with the FAI. Joseph McGowan was given the Groundsman of the Year award for his outstanding work at Finn Park while David Hammond and John Creedon were honoured for their special contribution to the League Structure Sub-Committee.
Tom Simmons picked up the Supporter of the Year Award for his unrivalled support throughout the season.
In addition, the draw for the new National League Super Cup took place where Cork City will come up against Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's will face Shelbourne. Both games will take place at the Morton Stadium in Santry on July 1st and 2nd with the final that Sunday at Tolka Park.
FAI Harp Lager National League Award Winners: Fair Play Award - Kilkenny City (Premier Division), Athlone Town (First Division); Leading Goalscorer - Stephen Geoghegan (Shelbourne) 17 goals Premier Division, Fergal Coleman (Galway Utd) 13 goals First Division; Soccer Writer of the Year - Philip Quinn (Irish Independent); Hall of Fame Award - Leo Dunne (Waterford News and Star); Groundsman of the Year - Joseph McGowan (Finn Harps); Special Awards - Mick Neville (535 League games), Alan O'Neill (543 League games), David Hammond and John Creedon (League Structure Sub-Committee); Retirements - Sean Brady and Michael Tomney (Referees); Supporter of the Year - Tom Simmons.
FAI Harp Lager National League Super Cup (Semi-finals): Cork City v Shamrock Rovers, 7.30 pm, July 1st. (Morton Stadium). St Patricks v Shelbourne, 7.30 pm, July 2nd. (Morton Stadium). Final: 4.00pm, July 5th (Tolka Park), Third-place 2.00 pm.
