The Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) has announced its shortlists for four awards, with two players each from Cork City and Derry City included in the overall category.

Derry defender Peter Hutton – a former winner of the award – is joined by team-mate Mark Farren, whose 18-goal tally has helped the Candystripes to the brink of the championship crown.

Cork are represented on the six-strong shortlist by midfielder Joe Gamble and playmaker George O’Callaghan, who have been central to the Leesiders’ exceptional season to date.

Also nominated are last year’s winner, Shelbourne striker Jason Byrne, who is certain to finish top of the scorers’ charts for the third season running, and UCD captain Tony McDonnell, hugely influential in the Students’ return to top flight football.

A three-name shortlist has also been published for the Young Player of the Year category, with Cork, Derry and UCD again represented.

Liam Kearney, nominated for the same award last year when it went to current Sunderland star Daryl Murphy, goes up against Derry’s Pat McCourt – who was so impressive for Shamrock Rovers in the first half of the season – and College’s Irish youth international midfielder Gary Dicker.

Goalkeeper John O’Hara represents champions-in-waiting Sligo Rovers in the First Division Player of the Year category, in which he will be pitted against Kilkenny City captain Aidan Price and Cobh Ramblers’ 17-goal striker Kieran O’Reilly.

The PFAI has also announce details of a new award which will see footballers vote for their top referee; Alan Kelly of Cork, Dublin’s Paul Tuite and Limerick whistler Mark Gough are nominated in this inaugural category.

PFAI Player of the Year shortlist:

Jason Byrne (Shelbourne)
Mark Farren (Derry City)
Joe Gamble (Cork City)
Peter Hutton (Derry City)
Tony McDonnell (UCD)
George O’Callaghan (Cork City).


PFAI Young Player of the Year shortlist:

Gary Dicker (UCD)
Liam Kearney (Cork City)
Pat McCourt (Derry City)


PFAI First Division Player of the Year shortlist:

John O’Hara (Sligo Rovers)
Kieran O’Reilly (Cobh Ramblers)
Aidan Price (Kilkenny City)


PFAI Referee of the Year shortlist:

Mark Gough (Limerick)
Alan Kelly (Cork)
Paul Tuite (Dublin)