There are always people who go above and beyond to make a difference and the Soccer Writers’ Ireland (SWI) wanted to show appreciation to those in Irish football with a special award.

 

First presented in 1994, this award has been given to people who have had such an impact on the beautiful game in Ireland that their legacy will live on for many, many years to come.

 

Always a proud award to hand out, the SWI members have selected footballing people from the domestic and international scenes, as well as from media and coaching.

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Special Merit Award Winners

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2022 - Lynn O'Neill 

2021 - Jerry Harris (awarded posthumously)

2020 - Conan Byrne

2019 - Michelle O'Neill (pictured above)
2018 – Vincent Hoey
2017 – Ronnie Nolan
2016 – Joe Veselsky
2015 – Arthur Fitzsimons
2014 – Liam Tuohy
2013 – Tommy McConville (awarded posthumously)
2012 – Pat Devlin
2011 – Eoin Hand
2010 – Jack Kelly
2009 – Jim McLaughlin
2008 – Noel O’Reilly (awarded posthumously)
2007 – Republic of Ireland Euro ’88 squad, manager and back-room team
2006 – Des Casey
2005 – Philip Greene
2004 – Willie Cotter
2003 – Billy Young
2002/03 – Frank O’Neill
2002 – Liam McMahon
2001 – Theo Dunne
2000 – Paddy Ambrose
1999 – Alan O’Neill
1998 – Brian Kerr
1997 – Alfie Hale
1996 – Charlie O’Leary
1995 – Tony Sheehan
1994 – Arnold O’Byrne

 

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