The League of Ireland has been a compelling affair from start to finish and after all the effort put in by other managers in instituting the TM Ireland Awards I decided to mark the end of my first season reporting on this top quality league by compiling my own team of the season.

Then it turned out that PND had the same idea for Division 2 and now my good idea looks like a paltry knock-off! Nevertheless, the skills and excitement we have enjoyed all season merits recognition. The selection has been incredibly tough, a fair reflection of the quality we’ve seen but now it’s done so, without further ado, here is my –utterly subjective- team of the season.

Formation: 4-5-1 DEF

Manager: Serenity City

GK – Norman Callan (Shamrock hoops) The man behind the meanest defence in the LOI

DL – Matthew Sweeney (Elland Rovers) A consistent –and inspirational- performer who was clearly unfazed by the step up to LOI.

DCL – Michael Fitzpatrick (Askeaton) Yet another top product of the Askeaton YD, at the heart of so much that was good about their play.

DC – Chakib Titer(C) (Celtic Bhoys) Last years player of the season was on top form to ensure that his under-performing side retained their top flight status.

DR – Ian Duignan (Askeaton) A player who continues to go from strength-to-strength.

ML – Diego Martin Cardozo (Shout FC) Ably contributed both goals and assists to Shout’s campaign.

DMCL – Charles-Henri Harqui (Le Sharks) Brought into a misfiring side after the season started he settled quickly and shored up the former champions midfield to great effect. Watch him in Season 15.

OMC – Eamon Rimmer (Shout FC) Upped his performances to reflect his presence on the stage he belongs on.

DMCR – Lorenzo Guréndez (One nil to the arsenal) Worked exeptionally hard all season to protect his defence. A terrific defender.

MR – Per Strand (Athletico Teabag) Played out of his skin all season long to eclipse Askeaton’s shining star.

FC – Drago Kalin (Athletico Teabag) Superb debut season from the young Slovenian, prolific and not too selfish either.

Substitutes

G – Peter Mullaly (One nil to the arsenal) His distribution is awful but he earned his wage in a side that struggled for most of the season.

D – Liam O’ Gorman (Carnew Rovers) Did all he could to save his side, has he made his last LOI appearance?

M – Joe Donovan (Athletico Teabag) Only denied a spot on the first XI by the formation.

W – Andy glynn (Askeaton) No doubting the part he played in The Tribesmen’s title march.

F – Noah O’ Connell (Pirate Ninja Dinosaurs United) This youngster is getting better and better. A great season.

There you have it, I know a couple of the choices could be classed as controversial –notably on the wings- but I honestly believe that that line-up constitutes the best performing selection from Season 14. I also believe –having started with a ‘shortlist’ of over thirty players- that any player other than Rimmer could be replaced with someone who wouldn’t weaken the side tangibly.

What is particularly satisfying are the ages of the Irish players in the line-up. Whoever does become NC will have an exceptional group of players to work with.

I would like to make a couple of special mentions too.

First to Thomas Ó Coinne of Serenity City, while it remains to be seen whether he has what it takes to become a regular LOI first-teamer or not, his contribution to Serenity’s campaign –culminating in a strong display in the cup final- when called up from the B-Team must be recognised.

Secondly to Leonard Mallet of derry fc, in my opinion the veteran was well out of his depth at this level yet managed to string together a creditable average of 4.88 for derry fc.

Thirdly to David Mullaly of Askeaton, simply because I feel for this very talented youg Irish striker who –like so many Arsenal youth graduates- just has not been able to make inroads into the first team largely because of one of Askeaton’s star imports, better luck next season.

If you’ve managed to come this far then thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it.

If you have any (constructive) feedback then I’d be interested to hear it.

And for the record, the manager and captain ideas were stolen from PND, cheers for that! Expect no royalties whatsoever to be paid.

Thank you and goodnight!