The 34th FAI International Awards winners have been confirmed following an event at the Aviva Stadium last night, which took place ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s win over Finland.
Chiedozie Ogbene was selected as the Senior Men’s International Player of the Year following his first-ever nomination. At the same time, Courtney Brosnan won the Senior Women’s International Player of the Year for the second year in a row.
Evan Ferguson and Heather Payne collected the Young Men’s International Player of the Year and Young Women’s International Player of the Year Awards, both winning for the second successive year.
Ireland Women’s National Team (WNT) captain Katie McCabe scooped the International Goal of the Year Award for her superb strike against Canada at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nora McHugh became just the sixth woman to be inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame (following Emma Byrne, Anne O’Brien, Paula Gorham, Linda Gorman, and Sue Hayden) as the first-ever captain of the WNT and was recognised for her impact on Irish Football.
Former Men’s International Niall Quinn was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Dubliner scored 21 times in 92 appearances, including a memorable goal against the Netherlands at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Michelle O’Neill received the Special Merit Award. The recently retired match official was celebrated for her outstanding career, which included officiating at FIFA Women’s World Cups, UEFA Women’s European Championships, the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, the UEFA Men’s Super Cup Final, and the League of Ireland.
The SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Men’s Player of the Year was Lee Grace of Shamrock Rovers, and the Football For All International Player of the Year was Chloe Kenna of the Street Leagues.
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