Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland

St Patrick’s Athletic’s European hero Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien is the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July.

The 29-year-old set a new Irish record when he netted in three successive Europa League games during July and has since added to that by making it four goals in four games in August when he scored against Krylya Sovetov.

Raffaele Cretaro of Sligo Rovers has been chosen as the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Player of the Month for June.

Despite his name, which can be explained by his father being Italian, Tubbercurry native Cretaro is a homegrown star having spent almost all of his career with the Bit O' Red.

Although this is his tenth season in the League of Ireland, Cretaro has spent much of time operating in the First Division as well as being used in a variety of positions.

Cork City's Colin Healy has been selected as the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Player of the Month for May.

Although Healy, 29, missed their EA Sports Cup tie against Wexford Youths - which they lost on penalties - the ex-Ireland international played in all five of City's league games during the month. He helped Paul Doolin's side defeat Sligo Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic, Derry City and Bray Wanderers, a game in which he scored. In those four games, Cork netted seven times and conceding none in the process.