IT WAS A perfect end to the season for Cork City on Saturday, as ex-striker Sean Maguire and boss John Caulfield were named as PFAI player and manager of the year for 2017.
Maguire scored 20 goals in 21 league appearances as City claimed their first Premier Division title in 12 years, while manager Caulfield led the side to its first ever double as they retained the FAI Cup at the Aviva Stadium earlier this month.
The 23-year-old striker led his side to the top of the table as City went 22 games unbeaten, before departing to Preston North End in the Championship where he started regularly before suffering an injury setback a fortnight ago.
Maguire appeared on crutches as he claimed his award last night in Dublin after suffering a hamstring injury which could see him ruled out until February.
He made his international debut against Moldova last month but expressed his disappointment that he could play no part in last week’s play-off defeat to Denmark, meaning Ireland failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
He featured alongside team-mates Ryan Delaney and Gearóid Morrissey in the 2017 PFAI Team of the Year which included four players from league runners-up Dundalk.
City manager Caulfield claimed the PFAI Manager of the Year award ahead of Lilywhites boss Stephen Kenny and Bohemians manager Keith Long, who also enjoyed a successful season finishing fifth.
Here’s the lads getting their awards tonight - well done to everyone! #PFAIrelandAwards17 pic.twitter.com/LncaQvq5o7
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) November 18, 2017
19-year-old Shamrock Rovers defender Trevor Clarke picked up the Young Player of the Year award, while Kieran Marty Waters was named as First Division Player of the Year following a season in which he scored 15 league goals for Cabinteely.
James McClean was named Overseas Player of the Year ahead of Shane Duffy and Robbie Brady, following a successful campaign where the West Brom winger was instrumental in leading Ireland towards a World Cup play-off, while the International Women’s Player of the Year award went to newly-appointed Ireland captain Katie McCabe.
The night also saw over €10,000 raised in aid of the Ryan McBride Foundation, which was named as the PFAI’s 2017 Charity of the Year in honour of the late Derry City captain who tragically passed away in March.
PFAI Player of the Year: Sean Maguire
Manager of the Year: John Caulfield
Young Player of the Year: Trevor Clarke
First Division Player of the Year: Kieran Marty Waters
Overseas Player of the Year: James McClean
International Women’s Player of the Year: Katie McCabe
Referee of the Year: Paul McLaughlin
Premier Division Team of the Year: Gerard Doherty (Derry City), Sean Gannon (Dundalk), Niclas Vemmelund (Dundalk), Ryan Delaney (Cork City), Trevor Clarke (Shamrock Rovers), Aaron McEneff (Derry City), Patrick McEleney (Dundalk), Gearoid Morrissey (Cork City), David McMillan (Dundalk), Ronan Murray (Galway United), Sean Maguire (Cork City)
First Division Team of the Year: Niall Corbet (UCD), Evan Osam (UCD), Kenny Browne (Waterford), Daniel O’Reilly (Longford Town), Chris McCarthy (Cobh Ramblers), Greg Sloggett (UCD), Garry Comerford (Waterford), Derek Daly (Waterford), Kieran Marty Waters (Cabinteely), Georgie Kelly (UCD), David McDaid (Waterford)
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