Paul Osam's contribution to St Patrick's Athletic's championship-winning season was recognised last night when the 31-year-old Dubliner was named as the Opel Flash Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland personality of the year for the 1998/99 season.

Osam played in 32 of his club's 33 matches and was widely acknowledged to have played a key role in bringing the championship back to Richmond Park for the fourth time this decade.

It was the fifth time that Osam had been involved in a championship-winning side, having helped Shamrock Rovers win the title in the early 1990s, as well as having been involved in the earlier St Patrick's Athletic successes.

The award completes a rare double for the midfielder who at the weekend was also named as the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland player of the year.

Also honoured at last night's SWAI function in Dublin was Alan O'Neill, who was presented with a special merit award in recognition of his contribution to the game over the past two and a half decades.

Meanwhile at the PSAI Awards, Richie Baker of Shelbourne was named as the young player of the year, while Cobh Ramblers striker Tony Izzi, who scored 16 goals this season, was given the award for the best First Division player.

Niall Quinn has been voted the North East Football Writers' Association Player of the Year.