Rovers had a strong presence at Friday’s SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland awards in Dublin, with Pico Lopes and Ed McGinty taking home major individual honours.
Pico was named SSE Airtricity/SWI Men’s Personality of the Year after a standout season. The Cape Verde international captained the Hoops to an SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division and FAI Cup double - the club’s first league-and-cup double since 1987. Lopes topped the media ballot ahead of manager Stephen Bradley and Shelbourne manager Joey O’Brien, becoming the first Rovers player in five years to win the award and only the third recipient from the club in the last 17 years.
2025 has also included international success for Pico, helping Cape Verde secure their first-ever World Cup qualification for next year’s tournament, and becoming the first Irish-born player to qualify for the World Cup while playing in the League of Ireland.
In addition, Ed McGinty was awarded SSE Airtricity/SWI Goalkeeper of the Year, finishing ahead of St Patrick’s Athletic’s Joseph Anang and Derry City’s Brian Maher. McGinty’s recognition reflects another consistent season between the posts for Rovers.Rovers were further represented on the Men’s Personality of the Year shortlist, with Graham Burke included alongside Derry City’s Michael Duffy and Shelbourne’s Kerr McInroy.
The club congratulates Pico, Ed, and everyone across the squad and staff whose work helped drive a season that continues to earn national recognition.
