The nominees for the 2025 SSE Airtricity / Soccer Writers Ireland Awards have been revealed ahead of the gala luncheon at Clontarf Castle on Friday, December 5.
As the football world also turns its eyes towards the draw for the 2026 World Cup later that day, the domestic game will take its moment in the spotlight.
As expected after a dominant season, double champions Shamrock Rovers feature prominently across the shortlists.
In the Men’s Personality of the Year category, the champions account for half of the six nominees, with Stephen Bradley once again in the running alongside Roberto “Pico” Lopes and Graham Burke.
Bradley, one of the most successful managers of the modern era in Irish football, is chasing what would be a remarkable fourth SWI Personality of the Year title, underlining the consistency of his leadership and the club’s sustained excellence.
They are joined on the list by Shelbourne duo Joey O’Brien and Kerr McInroy, reflecting Shels’ own impressive campaign, as well as Derry City’s Michael Duffy, whose creativity and influence lit up the season at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
Between the posts, the Goalkeeper of the Year shortlist pits three outstanding performers against one another. Shamrock Rovers’ Ed McGinty, shortlisted last year during his time at Sligo Rovers, earns another nod after a commanding first season in Tallaght. He is joined by Derry City’s Brian Maher and St Patrick’s Athletic’s Joseph Anang, the Ghanaian international whose 18 clean sheets were a defining feature of the Saints’ season.
The women’s shortlist reflects the strong season enjoyed by the Double-winning Champions, Athlone Town, who account for five of the six nominees for Women’s Personality of the Year.
Kelly Bradey, Madison Gibson, Hannah Waesch, Kayleigh Shine and former manager Colin Fortune all earn deserved recognition, joined by Wexford’s Ellen Molloy, whose return to form has been one of the stories of the year.
Men’s Personality of the Year
Roberto Pico Lopes (Shamrock Rovers)
Stephen Bradley (Shamrock Rovers)
Joey O’Brien (Shelbourne)
Michael Duffy (Derry City)
Kerr McInroy (Shelbourne)
Graham Burke (Shamrock Rovers)
Women’s Personality of the Year
Kelly Brady (Athlone Town)
Ellen Molloy (Wexford)
Madison Gibson (Athlone Town)
Colin Fortune (ex-Athlone Town)
Hannah Waesch (Athlone Town)
Kayleigh Shine (Athlone Town)
Goalkeeper of the Year
Ed McGinty (Shamrock Rovers)
Brian Maher (Derry City)
Joseph Anang (St Patrick’s Athletic)
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