With another campaign nearly in the books, we are now in the midst of award season. What better time to look at the standout Irish performers from the last few months?
We have asked our readers to select the Balls Irish Team of the Season based on the performances of our players at club and international level over the last nine months.
After thousands of votes cast, here is the team that has been selected.
Balls Irish Team Of The Season
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool)
Kelleher put in some very impressive performances for Liverpool earlier this season, including in a vital Champions League win over Ajax to seal their place in the knockout stages.
He was expected to challenge for the Ireland number one jersey in the March international window, although he would be ruled out due to injury. Expect him to be make his senior international debut next month.
Runner-up: Gavin Bazunu
RB: Seamus Coleman (Everton)
Seamus Coleman has experienced a remarkable renaissance this season. With his place with both Ireland and Everton under threat before the start of the campaign, he is now probably the first name on the team sheet for both sides.
He has made 31 appearances in all competitions at club level so far this season and will be looking to help Everton secure European football this weekend. At 32-year old, he certainly still has plenty left in the tank.
Runner-up: Matt Doherty
CB: John Egan (Sheffield United)
It has been a disastrous season for Sheffield United, and while Egan's own campaign has been limited somewhat by injury, he has still performed to a high level when available. His 30 appearances in the English top flight is a mark that can be matched by only one other player.
It would be a shame to see him out of the Premier League next season, although his current club would certainly command a hefty fee to let him leave this summer.
Runner-up: Ciaran Clark
CB: Dara O'Shea (West Brom)
Dara O'Shea has been perhaps the feel good story of the season for Ireland supporters.
Having only broken into the West Brom side late in their promotion campaign, it was unclear if he was ready to step up to the Premier League. He proved that he belonged in that division and has been arguably Ireland's best player since making his debut at the end of last year.
Runner-up: Nathan Collins
LB: Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)
Enda Stevens has not quite his the heights of last season, but he was still Ireland's standout left back. He has made 29 appearances in the Premier League, although his team's struggles in front of goal mean his assist numbers are well down.
Runner-up: Ryan Manning
DM: Josh Cullen (Anderlecht)
Josh Cullen's move to Anderlecht has certainly paid off.
Not only has he helped the club to a top four league finish and a return to European football, but the 25-year old has also cemented his place in the Ireland midfield. It will be interesting to see if he can push on even more next season.
Runner-up: Jayson Molumby
CM: Jason Knight (Derby County)
Derby County had a terrible season in the Championship, but Jason Knight's play was one of the lone bright spots. He made 43 appearances in the league this season, starting all but two of those games.
His form has attracted interest from the Premier League and it looks as though his current club will have a fight to keep him this summer. The fact that he has also impressed on the international stage has only added to his value.
Runner-up: Jack Byrne
CM: Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa/Swansea City)
It was a season of two halves for Conor Hourihane. Having found himself out of the Villa side for the opening few months of the campaign, he has been in excellent form since his loan move to Swansea in January.
While his early goalscoring exploits in Wales have halted somewhat, he is still a key cog in the team as they attempt to reach the Premier League via the play-offs. Five goals and two assists from midfield in 19 Championship appearances is nothing to be sniffed at.
Runner-up: Wes Hoolahan
RW: Aiden McGeady (Sunderland)
Aiden McGeady is back!
Having been frozen out of the first team picture at Sunderland for quite some time, the winger has been on an absolute tear since coming back into the side. He has registered four goals and 14 assists in the 29 League One appearances, as well as an assist in their 1-0 EFL Trophy final triumph.
McGeady is currently involved in the League One play-offs.
Runner-up: Aaron Connolly
ST: David McGoldrick (Sheffield United)
McGoldrick has been Sheffield United's best player this season. Taking the captain's armband on a number of occasions, he has found the back of the net on seven occasions in the Premier League. His 34 appearances in the division is also far and way the most by an Irish player.
He has also been a brilliant voice off it when it comes to tackling the issue racism in football. It's such a pity he chose to retire from international football.
Runner-up: Eoin Doyle
LW: Callum Robinson (West Brom)
If Callum Robinson could have played against Chelsea in every game this season, he would have strolled to PFA Player of the Year honours.
He scored four of his five Premier League goals this year against the London club, putting in two brilliant performances along the way. Unfortunately, he often found himself in and out of the team under Sam Allardyce.
We would expect him to have a strong season in the Championship should he remain at West Brom.
Runner-up: James Collins
The Team In Full
Not a bad team, although a couple of players can count themselves unlucky to miss out.
Gavin Bazunu made 32 appearances for Rochdale during his debut season in first team football, as well as making his Ireland bow. James Collins can also count himself unfortunate having found the back of the net 13 times for Luton Town and earning a move to Cardiff.
The timeless Wes Hoolahan was also in with a big shout after his exploits in helping Cambridge United get promoted from League Two.
SEE ALSO: Ryan Johansson Has Explained Why He Fought So Hard To Play For Ireland
