It has been a big year for Shane Duffy, if not the Republic of Ireland team generally. At tonight's FAI International Awards, the Derry native claimed the big prize.
Following the likes of Robbie Keane, Roy Keane, Damien Duff, Shay Given and Paul McGrath, Duffy has been named this year's Irish Player of the Year.
One of those former players like Duffy to claim the award was present to witness the event. On the night, Damien Duff was also inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame.
Although Martin O'Neill's side failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, the Brighton & Hove Albion man cannot be accused of giving anything other than his best to the cause.
An inspiring presence within the squad, Duffy contributed what had appeared to be a decisive goal in the second-leg of the playoff against Denmark.
What endeared the Derry man even further to Irish fans however was his presence at the back. A solid, technically proficient centre-half, he immediately looked to be forging a long career in green.
In claiming tonight's award, Duffy beat two other nominees in Darren Randolph and James McClean.
In some of the night's other categories, the winners were as follows:
