WITH THE HELP of our reporters who have been keeping a close eye on the Premier Division action, we’ve compiled our SSE Airtricity League team of the month for July.
Disagree with our selections? Of course you do. Feel free to use the comments section to let us know who you think should have been included…
Goalkeeper
Conor O’Malley (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Another impressive string of displays from the 23-year-old Mayo native, for whom the future looks bright following his move to Peterborough United.
Defenders
Steven Beattie (Cork City)
Traditionally he’s more accustomed to playing in attack, but the energetic and combative Dubliner is looking more comfortable at the back again having overcome his injury problems.
Jordi Balk (St Patrick’s Athletic)
After playing a key role in an important month for St Pat’s, the 23-year-old Dutch defender looks to have been a shrewd addition by Liam Buckley.
Niclas Vemmelund (Dundalk)
A difficult month for Dundalk saw them win just once in the league, but the reliable Dane continues to produce the goods for the reigning champions, including the opening goal in their 1-1 draw away to Sligo Rovers.
Darren Cole (Derry City)
A new arrival for the Candystripes, the former Rangers defender impressed as his new club kept four clean sheets in their five league games.
Midfielders
Conan Byrne (St Patrick’s Athletic)
Byrne seldom puts a foot wrong but he finally got some substantial rewards for his efforts in July, as Pat’s won three on the trot to move away from the relegation zone.
Fuad Sule (Bohemians)
After another excellent month in the middle of the park for the Gypsies — during which he contributed to ending Cork City’s undefeated run — the tireless 20-year-old was rewarded with a new contract last week.
Garry Buckley (Cork City)
His contribution is often under-appreciated but Buckley continues to excel in midfield for the champions-elect, with the 23-year-old scoring a stunning equaliser in the 2-1 win against Galway United.
Gavan Holohan (Galway United)
Holohan followed up on his hat-trick against Drogheda United with the opener against another one of his former clubs in Cork City, as Galway were unlucky to leave Turner’s Cross empty-handed.
Forwards
Eddie Dsane (Finn Harps)
Three goals in four games from the former Preston North End striker were crucial as Ollie Horgan’s side picked up nine points to take a big step towards safety.
Sean Maguire (Cork City)
Two goals in as many games for the Preston striker, who signed off on his time in the League of Ireland by equalling Cork City’s club record of 20 league goals in a season.
Substitutes
Shane Supple (Bohemians)
Conor McDermott (Derry City)
Barry McNamee (Derry City)
Gary Boylan (Sligo Rovers)
Karl Sheppard (Cork City)
Gary Shaw (Shamrock Rovers)
Christy Fagan (St Patrick’s Athletic)
