FAI Awards: Newcastle United's Shay Given was last night name as Ireland's senior international player of the year at the Eircom-sponsored FAI awards in Citywest where the 29-year-old beat off competition from Kenny Cunningham and Richard Dunne to lift the event's most coveted prize. Emmet Malone reports
The award was somewhat predictable recognition for the Donegalman at the end of a year in which Given, who is expected to earn his 75th international cap on Wednesday night, was outstanding for the Republic. The former Celtic, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland player turned in a series of strong performances in key games, most notably in Cyprus in October when, despite Ireland winning 1-0, he was about the only one of Brian Kerr's team to emerge with much pride.
Widely acknowledged to be one of the leading goalkeepers in Britain, Given would move to within five caps of Packie Bonner's tally of 80 international appearances if he plays against Sweden and there has been widespread speculation that he will be named as the team's new captain for Steve Staunton's first game in charge.
In the most prominent other categories at last night's event, Sunderland's Stephen Elliott emerged from a shortlist that included Reading's Kevin Doyle and Andy Reid of Tottenham to be named as young player of the year while there was consolation for Doyle at under-21 level where he was recognised ahead of Wayne Henderson and Jay Tabb.
Cork City's George O'Callaghan was named as the National League player of the year after a season in which the central midfielder was instrumental in helping his club to their first championship title in a dozen years. The former Port Vale player was the major creative influence iDamien Richardson's side and emerged as possibly the league's most exciting to player during 2005.
The internatinal goal of the year went to Robbie Keane for his wonderfully-taken strike against Israel at Lansdowne Road in May while Pierluigi Colina was presented with the international personality award and, after a good year for both his under-17 and under-19 Irish sides, Seán McCaffrey received the special merit award.
Award Winners
Senior: Shay Given (Newcastle Utd)
Young: Stephen Elliott (Sunderland)
Under-21: Kevin Doyle (Reading)
Under-19: Joey O'Brien (Bolton)
Under-17: Anthony Stokes (Arsenal)
Under-16: Donal McDermott (Manchester City)
Schools: Gary Deegan (Chanel College/Shelbourne)
National League: George O'Callaghan (Cork City)
Junior: David Conroy (Ballymun Utd)
Intermediate: Ruari Beechinor (Rockmount)
Women: Senior: Michele O'Brien (Long Island Lady Riders, NY)
Under-19: Niamh Fahey (Salthill Devon)
Football for All: Joseph Watson (Irish Deaf Sports/Waterford Crystal)
International Personality: Pierluigi Collina
Special Merit: Sean McCaffrey.
