Kenny and McNulty share spotlight

Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny and Cork City goalkeeper Mark McNulty were the big winners at the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland annual awards ceremony on a night which also saw Irish football legend Liam Tuohy honoured.

Kenny won the 2014 Personality Of The Year Award for leading Dundalk to the league title. On what was an intensely emotional occasion for Kenny, he revealed as he accepted the award that his father Michael had passed away in the preceding 24 hours.

McNulty, a key player for City as they pushed the Lilywhites all the way to the final night in Oriel Park, was named Goalkeeper Of The Year.

Reflecting the dominance of the two teams in the league, City boss John Caulfield also made the shortlist for Personality Of The Year, along with Dundalk players Pat Hoban and Richie Towell, while St Pat’s FAI Cup winning boss Liam Buckley and striker Christy Fagan were also in the running.

Former Irish international and manager Liam Tuohy, who was one of the most highly regarded figures in League of Ireland history, was awarded the Special Merit Award in recognition of his outstanding service to Irish football.

Last night’s gala occasion took place in the Conrad Hotel in Dublin before an invited audience which included the Irish management team of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.