DUNDALK BOSS VINNY Perth landed the top prize at the SSE Airtricity League/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland [SWAI] awards last night, while the Lilywhites celebrated a double success after Gary Rogers was named Goalkeeper of the Year.
After a season in which they made it back-to-back League of Ireland Premier Division crowns, Perth and Rogers scooped the two prestigious gongs at Dublin’s Clayton Hotel.
Vinny Perth accepting his award from SSE Airtricity marketing manager Leanne Sheill.
Source: Seb Daly/SPORTSFILE
43-year-old Perth took over at Oriel Park following Stephen Kenny’s move to the Ireland U21s, and ensured Dundalk’s success on these shores continued.
He saw off two of his own players, Seán Gannon and Chris Shields, to the Personality of the Year honour, while Shamrock Rovers and Ireland midfielder Jack Byrne finished second in the voting after a stellar year in which he helped end the Hoops’ long wait for FAI Cup glory.
Rovers’ boss Stephen Bradley, Bohs’ manager Keith Long were also nominated.
“This is a really special award,” Perth — also PFAI Manager of the Year — said afterwards. “I’ve been coming here a long time, usually carrying the trophy to the back of Stephen’s [Kenny] car.
“It’s an awkward one to win, you’re competing against your own players, you see the job Keith Long has done with Bohs and it’s great to see Stephen’s [Bradley] quality to shine through at a big club and win a trophy.
“It’s a real honour to get this award but I’m particularly proud of Chris (Shields) Sean (Gannon) who epitomise what we’re about.”