Shamrock Rovers midfielder Matt Healy has won his first SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month award after leading his team's charge towards a potential double in September.
The Corkman started all five games in an unbeaten month for the Hoops, scoring what proved to be the winner in the 2-1 victory at Waterford to tighten their grip on top spot in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.
Healy, 23, will win his first top-flight title on Friday if the Hoops avoid defeat at home to reigning champions Shelbourne.
They have also progressed to their first FAI Cup final since 2019, setting up a decider against Healy’s former club Cork City at Aviva Stadium on 9 November.
"It's a privilege to win this award," said Healy, who outscored teammate Josh Honohan and Jad Hakiki in the ballot.
"You can see the standard of the league is very good this year and it will get better over the next few years.
"It was a good month for us. Beating Bohemians after losing the three previous meetings and getting through the FAI Cup tie against Drogheda United on penalties were the highlights."
Healy spent 18 months with Belgian Challenger Pro League club Royal Francs Borains before returning to Ireland and Stephen Bradley’s side in January.
Should they grab a point against Shels on Friday and overcome Cork City in the cup final, Shamrock Rovers will collect their first double since 1987.
"We still haven't won anything at this moment in time," he cautioned.
"Our aim at the start of the year was to win the double and come through the Conference League qualifiers. We're now in a good position in all three competitions."
Watch Portugal v Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Saturday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live radio commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.
Watch Republic of Ireland Under-21s v Slovakia Under-21s in UEFA European Championship qualifying on Friday from 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
