Hoops' Gaffney named SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for October

Shamrock Rovers' forward Rory Gaffney has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for October after helping Stephen Bradley's side to clinch a third league title in a row.

The 33-year-old enjoyed a productive month, registering three goals and an assist as the Hoops won four and drew one of their five league games and competed in the UEFA Conference League.

He scored crucial goals, including a dramatic injury time winner against Shelbourne and the only goal in the penultimate-round victory over runners-up Derry City. Gaffney also netted in Rovers' 1-1 draw with Gent at Tallaght Stadium.

The Tuam native's 15-goals in all competitions, including three in Europe, makes 2022 his joint-best goalscoring season as a League of Ireland player.

Gaffney finished first in the vote of SWI members, ahead of Shelbourne's versatile Shane Farrell. UCD's Mark Dignam and Derry City lynchpin Mark Connolly were tied for third.

Gaffney was also previously nominated in May, July and August this year, and won one previous award, while playing for Limerick in August 2014.

"If I'm doing well as a striker, it probably means the team is doing well," he said. "We had a good month. It was touch and go in the league with what was going to happen but thankfully we pulled it through in the end.

The award winner paid tribute to his manager and team-mates for bringing out the best in him throughout the season.

"It's probably the first time, in the last number of years, I've played for what I would consider a proper team. It's really organised from back to front. I'd like to think I could play any position, it's how the manager coaches it. Here, the instruction is so clear. It works so well.

"It's easy to play in his team. It helps