Damien Duff has been shortlised for the 2024 SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland awards.
Shelbourne have contenders in the Men’s Personality of the Year, Women’s Personality of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year categories.
In the Men’s Personality of the Year, four of the nominees are top-flight managers. Indeed, Shelbournes League winner Damien Duff, Drogheda United’s FAI Cup winner Kevin Doherty and previous winners, Stephen Bradley (Shamrock Rovers) and Stephen Kenny (St Patrick’s Athletic).
Indeed, Shelbourne's rock-solid defender Paddy Barrett and Shamrock Rovers' talismanic midfielder Dylan Watts complete the six-man shortlist.
Goalkeeper of the year
Three excellent stoppers are in the running to be named Goalkeeper of the Year. Brendan Clarke, now 39-years old, has made over 500 club appearances over his distinguished career and played every minute of Galway United’s 36 League matches.
Whereas, Clarke is joined on the shortlist by Shelbourne’s Conor Kearns, who conceded just 27 goals; the fewest in the top flight. Sligo Rovers’ Ed McGinty is also nominated. The 25-year-old didn't miss a game for the Bit O’Red, keeping 12 clean sheets.
Whereas, in the women’s category, two managers and four players are in contention. Indeed, Ciarán Kilduff led Athlone Town to League honours losing a mere three games over a superb League season.
Indeed, Kilduff got Athlone to another FAI Cup Final too, which Athlone lost to Shelbourne. Athlone, captain Laurie Ryan is also nominated after a fine campaign for the midlanders.
Eoin Wearen ended his first year as Shels boss with that FAI Cup Final triumph and is up against two key figures in his dressing room. Whereas, inspirational defender Pearl Slattery and the consistently prolific Noelle Murray.
Finally, Julie-Ann Russell of Galway United is recognised after a super season that saw her shine for club and country.
Whereas, the awards will be presented at a gala banquet at Clontarf Castle hotel in Dublin on Friday, December 6.
Men’s Personality of the Year
- Paddy Barrett (Shelbourne)
- Stephen Bradley (Shamrock Rovers)
- Damien Duff (Shelbourne)
- Kevin Doherty (Drogheda United)
- Stephen Kenny (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
- Dylan Watts (Shamrock Rovers)
Women's Personality of the Year
- Ciarán Kilduff (Athlone Town)
- Noelle Murray (Shelbourne)
- Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United)
- Laurie Ryan (Athlone Town)
- Pearl Slattery (Shelbourne)
- Eoin Wearen (Shelbourne)
Goalkeeper of the Year
- Brendan Clarke (Galway United)
- Conor Kearns (Shelbourne)
- Ed McGinty (Sligo Rovers)
