Darryl Geraghty
It’s time for the League of Ireland Weekly Awards, where The Football Faithful reward the very best and worst of Irish Football from the week gone by.
Moment of the Week
And what could a massive moment in the season, see’s Dundalk climb to the summit of the SSE Airtricity League or “back where they belong” as the fans chanted, with a hugely impressive 2-0 win away at Bohemians, and doing so without the league’s top scorer Pat Hoban.
After a slow start to the season by their high standards, The Lilywhites have now leapfrogged title rivals Shamrock Rovers into first place on goal difference and look in imperious form as they look to reclaim the title.
??? of the @SSEAirtricityLg ?
? @bmsphotof1/@sportsfile pic.twitter.com/53U6y2UWna
— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) May 10, 2019
Goal of the Week
Comes from The Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium as Lee Desmond struck his first of the season, and for the club, to earn a valuable point on the road for The Saints.
Having seen his side go one nil down to a Barry McNamee strike, Pats defender Desmond took it upon himself, Vincent Kompany style, to hammer home from 30 yards into the top right-hand corner. One of the goals of the season.
It took him a while to score his first ever goal for the Super Saints, but it was well worth the wait! Top stuff from Lee Desmond against Derry City, @SoccRepublic @FAIreland @SSEAirtricityLg #Saints2019 ?⚪️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pKJqtveyB2
— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) May 11, 2019
Player of the Week
Only one candidate and a worthy winner, Michael Duffy of Dundalk. Head and shoulders above everyone else on the park against Bohemians, created two goals and if he continues this fine form it won’t be long before the inevitable links with a move across the water surface.
Goals from Georgie Kelly and Sean Hoare helped @DundalkFC to a 2-0 win over @bfcdublin as the Lilywhites moved back to the top of the @SSEAirtricityLg
Watch highlights of all the games from this weekend on @RTE2 this Monday at 7.30pm pic.twitter.com/K0qYhf6f47
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) May 11, 2019
Howler of the Week
Strange one this week, but howler of the week goes to a tinge of regret. Having covered the big one in the SSE Airtricity League, Bohs hosting Dundalk, it was incredible to see both stand pretty much sold out. A total of 3535 packed into the “home of Irish football”. You can’t help but be left with the feeling that the sooner the redevelopment of the iconic stadium is complete the better.
The hunger amongst the public has come back for the league, the quality on show is a joy to watch and it was just a bit disappointing to see people turned away when, not too long ago, clubs were crying out for support. Facilities simply need to be there for the league to grow.
Dalymount Park as the sun sets behind The Des Kelly Stand during Bohemains clash with Dundalk pic.twitter.com/6uVM9EPYM7
— Stephen McCarthy (@sportsfilesteve) May 11, 2019