SWAI Personality of the Year

The Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Personality of the Year is an annual award for the person considered to have made the most positive impact on the domestic League of Ireland season.
Instigated in 1961 - when Drumcondra's Dan McCaffrey was the winner - it is one of the few awards that can be given to either a player or manager. In fact, the recipient in 1964 was FAI secretary Joe Wickham.
The award is organised by the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland.

Selection process

The winner of the SWAI Personality of the Year is chosen by members of the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland. The selection process considers performance, influence, and contributions to the league over the course of a season. Both on-field excellence and off-field leadership are taken into account when determining the recipient.

Notable winners

Some of the notable winners of the award have included:

Johnny Giles – Former Republic of Ireland international and manager.
Jim McLaughlin – One of Ireland’s most successful club managers.
Pat Fenlon – Multiple-time League of Ireland-winning manager.
Damien Duff – Former Republic of Ireland international turned manager.