Nominees announced for 2016 SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Awards

The nominees for the 2016 SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Awards have been announced today.

Awards for Personality of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year will be presented at a gala dinner in Dublin's Conrad Hotel on Friday 13th January.

The shortlist for Personality of the Year is made up of two managers and four players, all of whom enjoyed memorable seasons in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

League-winning boss Stephen Kenny is nominated for his work with Dundalk. Kenny led the Lilywhites to a third consecutive SSE Airtricity League title and brought them to the group stages of the Europa League.

Cork City manager John Caulfield is also in the running after winning the FAI Cup and finishing second in the league.

The four players recognised for their achievements this year are Sean Maguire of Cork City and Daryl Horgan, Chris Shields and Andy Boyle of Dundalk.

City striker Maguire finished as the SSE Airtricity League top scorer and netted the extra-time winner against Dundalk in the FAI Cup final.

Dundalk’s trio of Horgan, Shields and Boyle were vital in their domestic and European successes.

For the Goalkeeper of the Year Award, last year's winner Gary Rogers is again nominated after a terrific season with Dundalk, which also saw him called up to Martin O’Neill’s Ireland side.

Cork City’s Mark McNulty and Gerard Doherty of Derry City are in contention too after impressive campaigns. McNulty helped City to Cup glory, while Doherty played a big part as the Candystripes secured an impressive third place finish in the league.

SWAI Personality of the Year nominees: Stephen Kenny (Dundalk), Daryl Horgan (Dundalk), John Caulfield (Cork City), Sean Maguire (Cork City), Chris Shields (Dundalk), Andy Boyle (Dundalk).

SWAI Goalkeeper of the Year nominees: Gary Rogers (Dundalk), Mark McNulty (Cork City), Gerard Doherty (Derry City).