Rory Gaffney named the PFAI Player of the Year

Shamrock Rovers striker Rory Gaffney has been crowned the PFA Ireland Player of the Year.

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

His tireless running and quality in the top third was a massive asset for the Hoops as they claimed another title and made it to the Europa Conference League group stages.

Gaffney's team-mate Andy Lyons was named the Young Player of the Year. The marauding full-back had a terrific campaign and will now embark in a fresh challenge when he officially signs for Championship club Blackpool in January.

The First Division Player of the Year gong went to Waterford's exciting talent Phoenix Patterson, with Wolves and Republic of Ireland centre-half Nathan Collins the PFA Ireland Overseas Player of the Year.

Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan [above] - so important to Ireland's historic World Cup qualification - received the Women's Senior International Player of the Year award.

Stephen Bradley scooped the Premier Division Manager of the Year trophy having steered Shamrock Rovers to glory, while Cork City boss Colin Healy got the nod for First Division Manager of the Year.

Watch Malta v the Republic of Ireland live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Sunday from 6.30pm and follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app

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