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John Egan and Denise O'Sullivan named FAI players of the year

Denise O'Sullivan has been an integral part of the Ireland midfield for a number of years
Denise O'Sullivan has been an integral part of the Ireland midfield for a number of years

John Egan and Denise O'Sullivan have been named men's and women's FAI player of the year.

Defender Egan was chosen ahead of Enda Stevens and Matt Doherty, while O'Sullivan wins for the second time after edging Katie McCabe and Diane Caldwell in the voting.

The young player award went to Dara O'Shea, after he broke into Stephen Kenny's senior team last year, and he pipped Jayson Molumby and Adam Idah.

The International Goal of the Year was given to Ellen Molloy for her cracking strike for the Under-17s against Iceland, while O'Sullivan (against Montenegro) and Edwin Agbaje (Men's Under-16 team against Albania) made up the shortlist.

The Under-21 award was given to midfielder Jack Taylor ahead of Darragh Leahy and Joshua Kayode, while the SSE Airtricity League award for the 2020 season went to former Shamrock Rovers ace Jack Byrne with Hoops defender Roberto Lopes and Danny Grant (Bohemians) also nominated.

The Special Merit Award went to the late Liam Farrell, who sadly passed away in February. A founding member of the North Dublin Schoolboy League (NDSL) and Chairman of the Schools Football Association of Ireland (SFAI), Liam was a hugely influential figure in Irish football.

John Egan has worn the green with pride since breaking into the team

Meanwhile, Irish football legends John Giles and Paula Gorham have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Giles Gorham are recognised for their unique contribution to the history of Irish football in this, the centenary year of the FAI.

An Ireland captain and manager during his illustrious career, Giles played 59 times for his country and was the international manager for seven years.

Part of the Dundalk Ladies team who played against Corinthians Nomads in a famous ground-breaking game in 1970, Gorham scored a hat-trick on her Ireland debut.

31st FAI International Football Awards

Men's Senior Player of the Year - John Egan

Women's Senior Player of the Year - Denise O'Sullivan

Young International Player of the Year - Dara O’Shea

International Goal of the Year - Ellen Molloy (Ireland Women's Under-17 v Iceland)

Under 21s Player of the Year - Jack Taylor

SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year - Jack Byrne

Special Merit - Liam Farrell (posthumously)

Hall of Fame - John Giles / Paula Gorham

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