Daire Phelan (Moone Celtic FC)
At 17 years old this player is the youngest member of his club’s senior squad. His journey with the club started as an U11 but his quality shone through quickly and was a member of Klub Kildare from U13 to U15. He moved on to the DDSL with Peamount United where he established himself as their Major team goalkeeper before ending the season with game time on their Premier team. He returned to his home club in 2022 and was a mainstay in goals for the U18's during a strong campaign in the Premier division of the KDUL. His debut at senior level was inevitable but came sooner than expected and from the start of the 2023 KDFL season he has slotted in seamlessly where he has showed maturity beyond his years. His ability to manage and dictate the pace of a game and organise seasoned players in front of him gives great confidence to the players around him and is in no way intimidated by senior football. He is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as in his hands which is invaluable as a goalkeeper in the modern game. He is improving game on game and this award so early on in his senior journey is a fantastic reward for a goalkeeper you will hear more about in the future.