By Harry Walsh
KILLYBEGS defender Seamus Coleman has been short-listed for the 3 /FAI Senior International Player of the Year for 2013.
The Everton defender has been selected as a nominee alongside goalkeeper David Forde and record-breaking striker Robbie Keane in the FAI ’3∏ International Football Awards, which take place in Dublin on Sunday March 2.
Seamus, who has been in exceptional form recently with both Ireland, who he captained in October’s World Cup qualifier in Germany, and Everton, is one of three Donegal players who have been short-listed for awards.
Moville’s Malachy McDermott, who plies his trade with Ulster Senior League champions Cockhill Celtic, has been short-listed for the Intermediate Player of the Year while Bonagee United’s Noel O’Donnell – a member of the Irish Deaf team – is in the running for the Football for All International Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, three players who close links to the North West have been short-listed for Young Player of the Year, namely Ciaran Clark, James McCarthy and James McClean.
Aston Villa defender Clark’s father Michael was brought up in Ballyare; McCarthy’s late grandfather Paddy Coyle was from Doirenamainsear in Annagry while McClean is a native of Derry city.
Another Derry man, Everton’ Shane Duffy, who is currently on loan at Yeovil Town, is in the running for the U-21 Player of the Year award. His father Brian is from Letterkenny. Sean Murray from Watford and Millwall’s Aiden O’Brien are also in contention for the award.
St Patrick’s Athletic’s Airtricity Premier Division title win has been recognised with Pat’s duo Killian Brennan and Ger O’Brien up against Dundalk’s Richie Towell for the SSE Airtricity League Player of the Year.
Wes Hoolahan’s first international goal makes the short list for Three International Goal of the Year, coming up against Shane Long’s header versus England, and the first of Robbie Keane’s three goals against the Faroe Islands in June.
The winners of all the awards will be announced at a televised ceremony on Sunday, March 2, where a former Republic of Ireland great will be inducted into the FAI’s Hall of Fame.
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