The outstanding LOI players who've shone in 2024

The 2024 League of Ireland season has been remarkably tight and competitive.

Multiple teams across the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division and First Division are still involved in the title race, the battle for Europe, promotion and scrap to avoid the drop.

Cork City are an exception as they have coasted to the First Division title but the play-off battle is very congested.

In the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division, three teams have been in with a chance of winning the title going into the final weeks.

The points gap from top to bottom in the men’s top flight of 30 is the lowest since three points for a win was initiated.

But while no teams have stood out from the rest, some individuals have had exceptional seasons and risen above their peers. We take a look at a few of the best.

Patrick Hoban (Derry City)

The last time someone over the age of 30 was top scorer in the League of Ireland was 1999-200 in Pat Morley’s 20-goal season.

The fact that it took the third-highest all-time scorer in the league to do so shows how impressive a feat that is. At 33, Hoban is on track to be the next man this season with 13 goals. He is one goal away from having his third-best season, behind his final campaign with Dundalk before his move to Oxford United in 2014, and his first back in 2018.

Hoban’s main competition at the moment comes from Padraig Amond (more on him shortly) and Shamrock Rovers' Johnny Kenny, who are one behind with Frantz Pierrot making a late charge at Drogheda United.

Hoban has been impressively efficient, coming second among the leading four scoring strikers for minutes per goal and shots per goal.

Padraig Amond (Waterford)

As mentioned above, Amond has had an excellent scoring season. While Hoban is doing so at the