O’Neill scoops top award

MICHAEL O’NEILL was last night named Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Personality of the Year for 2011.

The award was made to the new Northern Ireland manager in recognition of his achievements in leading Shamrock Rovers to a second successive title and into the group stages of the Europa League this season.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, who also attended the annual awards banquet in Dublin’s Conrad Hotel, received a special presentation to mark his achievement in leading his team to the 2012 finals of the European Championship.

And a former Ireland manager, and player, Eoin Hand, was the recipient of the Special Merit award for services to Irish football.

The Airtricity/SWAI Goalkeeper of the Year gong went to Derry Ciry’s Gerard Doherty.