Goalkeeper

Mark McNulty (Cork City) 

McNulty was excellent between the sticks for runners-up Cork and conceded just 25 goals in 33 games.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Defenders

Sean Gannon (Dundalk) 

The 23-year-old former St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers full-back excelled for the champions and scored one of the goals of the season against St Patrick’s Athletic.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Brian Gartland (Dundalk)

It has been a fairy tale year for Gartland, who joined Dundalk in 2013 and went on to form the best defensive partnership in the league alongside Andy Boyle. Scored eight league goals including one on the last day of the season.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Darren Dennehy (Cork City)

Since returning from England, the younger of Cork’s Dennehy brothers has become one of the first names on John Caulfield’s teamsheet at the heart of their defence.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Dane Massey (Dundalk)

Lilywhites full-back Massey has improved his defensive game enormously and also posed an attacking threat down the left flank all season.

Midfielders

Conan Byrne (St Patrick’s Athletic)

25 goals and a hatful of assists in all competitions for the ex-UCD winger, who enjoyed his best season in the League of Ireland.

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Richie Towell (Dundalk) 

Arguably the best player in the SSE Airtricity League, Towell energy and creativity was vital for Dundalk throughout the year and the former Celtic youngster could be on his way out after trials with Cardiff City this week.

Colin Healy (Cork City)

The veteran midfielder led Cork’s title charge and scored one of the goals of the season with that bicycle kick against St Pat’s.

James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Daryl Horgan (Dundalk)

Galway native Horgan resembles a young Damien Duff and produced some attacking wing play that the Ireland legend would be proud of for Dundalk.

Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

Forwards

Christy Fagan (St Patrick’s Athletic) 

The first Pat’s player in 50 years to score 20 league goals and bagged another two in yesterday’s FAI Cup final win. Superb hold-up play and the best all-round striker in the league at present.

Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Patrick Hoban (Dundalk)

‘The Hobanator’ finished joint top scorer with Fagan in the Premier Division and deservedly shortlisted for PFAI Player of the Year.

Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

What are your thoughts on our Team of the Year? Should we have included/excluded anyone in your opinion? Give us your own best XI below. 

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