Cork City’s Richardson and Devine receive soccer awards

Damien Richardson was named personality of the year at the Soccer Writers Awards last night.

The former Shelbourne boss was honoured for his role in guiding Cork City to League glory in 2005.

There was further acclaim for the Leesiders in the shape of a goalkeeper-of-the-year nod for Mick Devine.

Meanwhile, the new Ireland management team received a broad welcome from the assembled Irish football figures at the event.

The official appointment of Steve Staunton, consultant Bobby Robson, coach Kevin McDonald and goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly was one of the key topics of the night.