The 19th eircom/FAI International Soccer Awards were announced before an audience of 800 guests, including the Minister for Education and Science, Mr: Batt O’Keeffe at Citywest Hotel, Saggart tonight (Sunday, 8 February, 2009):
The prestigious FAI Schools accolade went to Clondalkin’s John Mulroy of Moyle Park College (2008):
The striker had an exceptional outing with FAI Schools, scoring in every competitive fixture, most notably their 1/0 win against England at the Stadium of Light:
His extraordinary vision, skill and work rate were evident throughout last season’s campaign and this earned him the coveted award at tonight’s event:
John plays his club football with Bray Wanderers and made a scoring debut last season, thus became the youngest player to score for the club:
Eighteen awards were announced on RTÉ 2 including the Senior International Player accolade which was awarded to Kevin Doyle:
The Young Player award went to Aiden McGeady while Owen Garvan captured the Under 21 award as Michael Spillane picked up the Under 19 Player of the Year Award:
Former Republic of Ireland player, Arthur Fitzsimons entered the Hall of Fame in recognition to his formidable talent and dedication to the national side during the 1950s:
The Special Merit award was handed to former FIFA Referee, Eddie Foley who retired this year having enjoyed a career as one of Ireland’s most successful and respected referees: Eddie was the only official ever from the Republic of Ireland to have been appointed to the World Cup finals and the European Championship finals:
The International Goal of the Year Award, which was voted on by the viewers went to Andy Keogh for his strike in the 1-1 friendly draw against Serbia in Giovanni Trapattoni’s first international game in charge on May 24th 2008:
Recipient of the International Personality of the Year Award was Ruud Gullit: Gullit was captain of the Netherlands national team that won the European Championship in 1988: He also enjoyed an illustrious club career, playing for top European clubs like PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan, Sampdoria and Chelsea where he later moved into a successful career in management and led the club to victory in the 1997 FA cup: Among the many honours he has received, Ruud was named European Footballer of the year in 1987 and World Soccer player of the year in 1987 and 1989:
FAI Schools Nominees:
John Mulroy – Moyle Park College, Clondalkin
Sean Houston – St: Eunan’s College, Letterkenny
Peter Acheson – Rockwell College, Cashel
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