RICHARD DUNNE TOOK home the main prize at last night’s 3 FAI Awards, capping a fine year which will always be remembered for his heroic defensive performance in Moscow.
Dunne’s blood-stained display in the 0-0 draw away to Russia has since been lauded as one of the finest performances ever in an Irish shirt, and last night, the Aston Villa man was named Senior International Player of the Year at a ceremony in the RTÉ studios.
Dunne topped a three-man shortlist which included captain Robbie Keane and West Brom midfielder Keith Andrews.
Darren O’Dea beat Seamus Coleman and Simon Cox to the Young International Player of the Year award, while Manchester United’s Robbie Brady scooped the U21 prize.
Darron Gibson’s 25-yard strike against Wales in the Carling Nations Cup was selected as the 3 International Goal of the Year.
The scorer of another of 2011′s most memorable goals, former Shamrock Rovers defender Pat Sullivan, was named Airtricity League Player of the Year.
It was Sullivan’s wondergoal in Belgrade that set Rovers on their way to a place in the Europa League group stages last summer. The Hoops received a special merit award last night in recognition of their achievement.
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2012 3 FAI International Award Winners
- Senior International Player of the Year: Richard Dunne
- 3 International Goal of the Year: Darron Gibson
- Young International Player of the Year: Darren O’Dea
- Airtricity League Player of the Year: Pat Sullivan
- Hall of Fame: Ray Houghton
- International Personality: Pavel Nedved
- Special Merit Award: Shamrock Rovers team
- Under 21 International Player of the Year: Robbie Brady
- Under 19 International Player of the Year: John Egan
- Under 17 International Player of the Year: Sean Kavanagh
- Under 16 International Player of the Year: Kyle McFadden
- Senior Women’s International Player of the Year: Niamh Fahey
- Under 19 Women’s International Player of the Year: Grace Moloney
- Under 17 Women’s International Player of the Year: Chloe Mustaki
- Junior International Player of the Year: James Walsh
- Intermediate Player of the Year: Brendan O’Connell
- Football for All International Player of the Year: Adrian Clarke
- FAI School’s International Player of the Year: Hugh Douglas
