Updated at 21.33
A MEMORABLE 12 months for Stephen Kenny was recognised last night as the Dundalk boss was named Personality of the Year at SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Awards.
The 45-year-old helped Dundalk win their third successive league title as well as guiding them to group stages of the Europa League.
Kenny emerged victorious ahead of five fellow nominees – Dundalk trio Chris Shields, Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle, with the latter two since joining Preston, while Cork boss John Caulfield and striker Sean Maguire were also recognised.
It is the second time Kenny has received the award after he previously won it in 2014.
In addition, Cork City’s Mark McNulty picked up the Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The 36-year-old was a key part of the Cork side that won the FAI Cup and finished runners-up in the league, conceding just 23 goals and earning 25 clean sheets.
Meanwhile, the Special Merit award winner (Liam Tuohy Salver) was Joe Veselsky.
The Slovakian nonagenarian was a director at Shamrock Rovers, while he has been UCD’s Executive Life President since 1987.
Veselsky was born before World War One was over and served in World War Two as a partisan in the Tartra Mountains, fighting for his homeland against the German advance.
He settled in Dublin in the late 1940s and captained the Irish team in table tennis, subsequently becoming Life President of the Irish Table Tennis Association.
Robbie Keane received a special presentation from Irish boss Martin O’Neill on behalf of the SWAI in recognition of his outstanding service to Irish football.
The striker retired from international football last August after scoring 68 goals in 146 appearances as well as appearing at three major tournaments.
Keane also made a presentation on behalf of the SWAI to former Finn Harps and Sligo Rovers striker Brendan Bradley, the League of Ireland’s all-time top goalscorer with 235 goals.
SWAI Personality of the Year winner: Stephen Kenny (Dundalk)
SWAI Goalkeeper of the Year winner: Mark McNulty (Cork City)
Special Merit award winner: Joe Veselsky
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