Today an Irishman captained his club to promotion from League Two for the second year in a row. Michael Doyle, who captained Portsmouth last season, was a crucial figure in Coventry's 3-1 victory at Wembley. However, he is not the only Irishman to achieve promotion this year. Across the four league's below the Premiership, an Irish player was promoted at every level.
Already we've brought you the rankings of the Irish players in the Premier League, here is a guide to the players who performed in the lower levels.
National Football Conference:
Noe Baba - Macclesfield Town
Scored a fairly incredible goal against Wrexham on way to an extraordinary run. Has since left the club.
It’s been a pleasure @thesilkmen good luck for the future 🔵⚪️ #silkmenarmy thanks for all the support pic.twitter.com/FKuztaq9DX
— Noe Baba ⚽ (@noebaba) May 11, 2018
EFL League Two:
Séamus Conneely - Accrington Stanley
The former Galway United man has swapped between right full-back and winger this season.
Alan McCormack - Luton Town
The 34-year-old just signed a year extension after earning automatic promotion with the club.
Glen Rea - Luton Town
Now 23, the former Irish U21 has become a regular at Luton.
James Collins - Luton Town
Has played for Ireland at U19 and U21 level.
Alan Sheahan - Luton Town
The former Belvedere man played U21 for Ireland. Now 31, he made 42 appearances in the defensive heart of Luton's promotion run this season.
Jack James - Luton Town
The Republic of Ireland youth international is just 18 but was handed his first professional contract earlier this month after impressing last season. Manager Nathan Jones has spoken highly of him.
Michael Doyle - Coventry City
The Dubliner started his career at Celtic but failed to make the breakthrough there. Since then has gone on to some impressive achievements in the English lower leagues.
Josh Barrett - Coventry City
On loan from Reading. Has played for Ireland at every level from U16 to U21.
Reece Ford - Coventry City
The 19-year-old made the step up from under 18 football and was recently handed a new contract.
EFL League One:
Noel Hunt - Wigan Athletic
The former Ireland international is reported to be leaving and rejoining childhood club Waterford FC.
Darragh Lenihan - Blackburn Rovers
The 24-year-old has been rewarded for his patience at Ewood Park this season.
Derrick Williams - Blackburn Rovers
Handed an Irish debut for the France friendly after an impressive season.
Anthony Forde - Rotherham United
The Exciting Limerick winger came on as a sub in the play-off final.
Darren Potter - Rotherham United
The Former Liverpool man who collected a Champions League medal in 2005 made 16 appearances for the club this season.
Richie Towell - Rotherham United
On loan from Brighton, the League of Ireland star in 2016 was superb in the centre of the park for the club on their way to promotion.
EFL CHampionship:
Cyrus Christie - Fulham
Got his reward for taking a mid-season transfer and can now look forward to Premier League football.
Anthony Pilkington - Cardiff City
Made eight appearances and scored three goals for Cardiff this season.
Brian Murphy - Cardiff City
As a child, Murphy played football and hurling with Dunhill Ns Killea BNS in Dunmore East and was not focused on becoming a pro. However, was offered a place at Manchester City when he was just 15 and took it. Now sub goalkeeper for Neil Warnock's side.
Matt Doherty - Wolves
Doherty enjoyed an excellent season and was rewarded with a call-up to the Ireland squad. The versatile full-back will now look to grasp his opportunity in O'Neill's squad.
