City’s Rico named personality of the year

THERE were further honours for Cork City last night when Damien Richardson was named the Personality of the Year for 2005 at the eircom/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland annual awards banquet in Dublin.

Richardson won his first league title as player or manager by leading City to a nail-biting championship success last year, edging out Derry City in the final game of the season at Turner’s Cross.

Cork also reached the final of the FAI Cup but were denied the double by Drogheda United.

Confirming City’s reputation as the team of the season was the announcement that Michael Devine had won the eircom/SWAI Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

And there was also deserved recognition of the work of veteran broadcaster Phillip Greene - the man once dubbed “the voice of Irish football” - who was honoured with a Special Merit Award.