National League: Derry City striker Mark Farren was last night named as the PFAI's Premier Division player of the year after a season in which the 24-year-old finally fulfilled his potential by scoring 18 goals, an achievement that helped the club to second place in the Premier Division table.

Another prolific striker, Kieran O'Reilly, picked up the First Division award for his outstanding efforts over the past eight months with Cobh Ramblers.

Derry's Pat McCourt won the young players' award. His long-term future with the club remained uncertain, but over the weekend it was confirmed that he has now signed a three-year deal.

The association's special merit award went to Tony Mannion, the former Galway United manager, who made a tremendous contribution to the development of the game at all levels in the city.