A-Z of the League of Ireland First Division in 2023

A – Brian Ainscough

A vital figure in establishing Kerry FC. He shocked the club at the end of the season by opting to leave to purchase Dundalk. He played a crucial role in the club establishing themselves as a First Division side. Ainscough leaves behind some American investment.

B – Bray's struggles

The Seagulls were expected to be a real challenger in the division but ended up in seventh position.

Ian Ryan's move to the Carlisle Grounds had promised great things. He admitted they looked a better side on paper and simply hadn’t delivered.

It’s a big 2024 ahead with lots of fans disillusioned by the club since their merger with Cabinteely.

C – Ronan Coughlan

Nobody could have predicted how a previously goal-shy striker would take the league by storm.

He had the unique achievement of winning two player of the month awards while being in the second tier.

It was an incredible season for Coughlan, who scored an extraordinary 37 goals in league and cup action.

He is currently thinking over his future with a return to the Blues possible as he tries to build on the best year of his career.

D – Jack Doherty

Cobh Ramblers fans will look back on 2023 with so many fond memories. Sadly they will be somewhat tainted by seeing the best of what they had move on at the end of the year. However it was a wonderful 12 months at St Colman's Park.

Doherty found some of the best form of his career in Cobh's midfield scoring 18 goals over the course of a brilliant season.

He earned a move to rivals Cork City where he will be expected to be a key figure in the bid for promotion.

E – Ed McCarthy

It shouldn't have taken us this long to get to a Galway United player with the season that was in it.

He was consistent player for one of the best seasons in the