Malachy McDermott sets Cockhill off to a flying start with a goal in the first five minutes of their FAI Intermediate Cup tie against Crumlin.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
SEAMUS Coleman might have missed out on the Senior Player of the Year award at the Three FAI International Football Award, but it was still a night to remember for Donegal.
Cockhill Celtic’s Malachy McDermott scooped the Intermediate Player of the Year award, Noel O’Donnell won the Football For All Award while James McCarthy won the Young International Player of the Year award.
McDermott was highly instrumental as Cockhill Celtic won the double in 2013. The Moville native was named as the Ulster Senior League player of the year for his displays as Cockhill won the Ulster Senior League title and also defeated Drumkeen United to win the Donegal News League Cup.
McDermott carried his magnificent form into the FAI Interprovincial tournament in Sligo. Having been a star there as the Ulster Senior League won the tournament, it was no surprise that McDermott was in the mix for the national award.
And the Inishowen ace was named as the top Intermediate player in the country on a night when Donegal was well represented.
The Football For All award was won by popular Bonagee United clubman Noel O’Donnell. The 48-times capped O’Donnell is a versatile player who has represented Ireland on the top stage in his game and his standing in the game was also recognised.
2013 was also a big year for Everton midfielder McCarthy who was named as the Young Player of the Year. McCarthy qualifies for Ireland through his Donegal ancestors.
And although Coleman was beaten to the big gong by Irish captain Robbie Keane, the Killybegs man can claim a hand in Shane Long’s goal of the year prize – it was from his cross that Long netted against England at Wembley!
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)