Athlone defender selected for PFAI Team of the Year

DESPITE a poor showing by Athlone Town in the 2012 Airtricity League First Division, club defender Brian McCarthy's individual input has been recognised by his fellow players, after he was chosen in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year. McCarthy, in his third spell with Athlone, was almost ever-present for Athlone through the season, as they established themselves as outsiders for promotion during the opening half of the season. However, with Athlone capitulating after the mid-season break, and winning only once in the last 15 league matches, it appeared a long-shot that any Town player would be included in the best League XI for the season. McCarthy has been picked alongside former Limerick central defensive partner Pat Purcell in a back-line that also acknowledges Shane Tracy (Limerick) and Noel Haverty (Longford Town). Limerick duo Joe Gamble and Stephen Bradley, Waterford's Gary Dempsey and Longford's Keith Gillespie (formerly of Man Utd and Newcastle Utd) are chosen in the midfield, while promising Waterford forward Sean Maguire and Limerick's Rory Gaffney are the strikers. Waterford's Packie Holden has been recognised in the goalkeeper department. Former Athlone defender Ger O'Brien, now with St Pat's, has been selected on the Premier Division Team of the Year. Gary Dempsey, Rory Gaffney and Sean Maguire are also on the shortlist for First Division Player of the Year.