Linfield’s Kyle McClean and Loughgall’s Dean Smith Win Big at Northern Ireland Football Awards

Linfield’s Kyle McClean and Loughgall’s Dean Smith emerged as the big winners at the end of season Northern Ireland Football Awards in Belfast on Saturday night.

McClean, who has been a standout performer for Linfield with 14 goals from midfield, was named Irish Premiership Player of the Year. He beat out tough competition from Larne’s Andy Ryan and Cliftonville’s Rory Hale for the prestigious award.

Meanwhile, Loughgall manager Dean Smith was recognized for his impressive work in guiding the team to a strong campaign on their return to the top-flight, defying expectations of relegation. Smith edged out the likes of Larne’s Tiernan Lynch, Linfield’s David Healy, and Cliftonville’s Jim Magilton to claim the Irish Premiership Manager of the Year title.

Young talent Benji Magee of Loughgall was also celebrated at the awards ceremony, winning the Young Player of the Year prize after a breakthrough season where he scored 16 league goals for the promoted side.

The Northern Ireland Football Awards, jointly organized by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association and the Northern Ireland Football League, also saw recognition for long-serving Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter, who received the Dr Malcolm Brodie Hall of Fame award.

Other notable winners included Institute defender Shaun Leppard as the Championship’s Player of the Year, and Alex Pomeroy of Limavady United as the Premier Intermediate Player of the Year.

The awards ceremony was a night of celebration and recognition for the outstanding contributions and achievements in Northern Irish football over the past season.