Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland

Paul Doolin has been named the eircom/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland (SWAI) Personality of the Year for 2007 as a result of his achievement in leading Drogheda United to the first Premier Division title in their history. The Louth club have improved considerably since Doolin came to the helm in 2003 and after FAI Cup success in 2005 and Setanta Cup wins in 2006 and 2007 they stepped up to the plate to win the championship comfortably with three games to spare.

There was also recognition on the night for Bohemians goalkeeper Brian Murphy who was named the Goalkeeper of the Year for 2007 after being up for the award along with Shamrock Rovers namesake Barry and Drogheda's title winning stopper Dan Connor. Murphy was outstanding for the Gypsies in his first season in eircom League football after returning to Ireland following a stint in the UK with Manchester City and Swansea. The 24 year old had a number of offers to return across the water at the conclusion of the league season.

Fittingly, the Guests of Honour on the night were also awarded the Special Merit gong as the members of Ireland's Euro '88 squad were recognised for their achievements in Germany twenty years ago. Eleven members of the panel were present on the team's behalf to reminisce about Ireland's first appearance in a major championship and, particularly, that famous afternoon in Stuttgart where Ray Houghton's header secured victory against England.

First division clubs Finn Harps and Dundalk received the honours as the Soccer Writers Association named their Website and Press Officer of the Year for 2007.

The new awards were introduced last year to reward those clubs who are most helpful and professional in their dealings with the media and provide up to date information as regards latest happenings.

Finn Harps' Trevor Gordon was named the Press Officer of the Year just pipping Greg Keane of Wexford Youths and Eanna Buckley of Cork City in the process.