FAI reveal international award nominees

The FAI today announced the nominations for the 19th eircom / FAI International Awards.

The nominations, which were chosen by a panel from the Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland, are divided into 18 categories, including a Hall of Fame Award, a Special Merit Award and an International Personality Award which will be awarded on the night.

The players nominated for the senior international player of the year award are Reading’s Kevin Doyle, Manchester United’s John O’Shea and Newcastle’s Shay Given.

Bohemian FC dominate the League of Ireland awards with two of the three nominations after their double-winning season. Bohemians duo, Owen Heary and Brian Murphy are joined by Keith Fahy who starred for St. Patrick’s Athletic in their 2008 League of Ireland season and their impressive run in the UEFA Cup.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 8 in Citywest Hotel, Saggart, and all winners will be announced live on the night.

NOMINATIONS IN FULL

SENIOR

Kevin Doyle - Reading

Shay Given – Newcastle United

John O’Shea – Manchester United

YOUNG/U23

Aiden McGeady - Celtic

Andy Keogh - Wolves

Stephen Rice – Shamrock Rovers

U21

Owen Garvan – Ipswich Town

Stephen Quinn – Sheffield United

Darren O’Dea - Celtic

INTERNATIONAL GOAL OF THE YEAR

Robbie Keane v Cyprus (H) 15/10/08

Andy Keogh v Serbia (H) 24/05/08

Kevin Doyle v Georgia (A) 6/09/08

LEAGUE OF IRELAND

Owen Heary (Bohemian FC)

Brian Murphy (Bohemian FC)

Keith Fahey (St. Patrick’s Ath/Birmingham City)

U19 NOMINEES

Michael Spillane - Norwich

Brendan Moloney – Nottingham Forest

Garry Breen – Hereford United

U17 NOMINEES

Conor Hourihane – Sunderland

Ger Hanley – Salthill Devon

Aaron Doran – Blackburn Rovers

U16 NOMINEES

Mark O'Brien – Derby County

Ciaran Gallgher – Castlefin Celtic/Finn Harps

Shane Murray – Arklow Town

INTERMEDIATE NOMINEES

Don Moran – Everton AFC

Lee Boyle – Fanad United

Derek Prendergast – Bangor Celtic

JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL

Wayne Fitzgerald – Carrick United

Seamus Crowe – Athenry

Paul Breen – St. Michaels AFC

SENIOR WOMEN'S

Niamh Fahey – Arsenal

Yvonne Treacey - Arsenal

Stefanie Curtis – Bristol Academy

U19 WOMEN'S

Karen Duggan - Piltown

Louise Quinn - Peamount

Amy Ryan – Stella Maris

U17 WOMEN'S

Ciara Grant – Kilmacrennan Celtic

Tanya Kennedy – Finn Valley

Dora Gorman – Salthill Devon

FAI SCHOOL'S

John Mulroy – Moyle Park College

Sean Houston – St. Eunan’s College

Peter Acheson – Rockwell College

FOOTBALL FOR ALL

Luke Evans – Irish CP (St. Paul’s Raheny)

John Paul Strapp – Football For All Schools

Stephen Coleman – Street Leagues