Another month of SSE Airtricity League action has flown by and what have we learned?
Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk remain in imperious form and look an improvement on the side that won the title in 2014.
Shamrock Rovers and Cork City remain just about in touch after battling for each point this month. Bray Wanderers are showing signs of life, while Limerick will need to string together some wins soon as they are already looking doomed for the drop.
Players that have impressed, but missed the cut, this month include Darren Meenan, Keith Fahey, Billy Dennehy and Dean Jarvis.
Here is the SportsJOE SSE Airtricity League Team of the Month for May.
Goalkeeper
Gary Rogers (Dundalk) conceded just one goal for Town this month and, when called up, stepped up with big saves and steady claims in the air.
Defenders
Brian Gartland (Dundalk) continues to impress for Stephen Kenny’s men. In the later half of the month, Paddy Barrett (Dundalk) also impressed in a defence that is getting stingier by the week. Alan Byrne (Drogheda) has done a great job in the centre of a makeshift defence this month. We have moved him out to left back and while we are not expecting left wing overlaps, we reckon he will let not a sinner past him.
Our back four is rounded out by Sean Hoare (St Patrick’s Athletic), who continues to prove stern in defence and a threat on forays up-field.
Midfielders
The month began with another wonder-strike from Richie Towell (Dundalk). The former Celtic player may find himself heavily scouted by English and Scottish sides over the summer. The man hugging Towell [below] is Daryl Horgan (Dundalk). He has become a really reliable midfield option for the champions and is also chipping in with goals. The sole Sligo Rovers entry is Sander Puri. The Estonian struggled at the beginning of the season but looks to have settled out west, and scored in the 1-1 draw with Derry. Mark Salmon (Longford) has led from the front, like a captain should, all month and scored a much-needed winner against Limerick.
Strikers
Karl Sheppard (Cork City) edges out Saints striker Conan Byrne after he rattled in three in a week for his side. In a month when the Premier League waved goodbye to three legends – Drogba, Lampard and Gerrard – Ireland’s elder statesman, Jason Byrne (Bohemians) deserves his place this month. Continues to be a handful for defences and scored a crucial winner against Limerick.
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