Fitting reward for Kinsella - November 13, 2000 A fairytale rags to riches story culminated last night in Mark Kinsella claiming the FAI-Eircom Player of the Year Award in a star-studded ceremony at the CityWest Hotel. The popular Charlton midfielder received a huge round of applause when he beat off the challenge of Niall Quinn and Roy Keane to receive the trophy from FIFA president Sepp Blatter. The 28-year-old Dubliner was a clear winner after outstanding World Cup displays against Holland, Portugal and Estonia - the latter crowned with his first international goal. Kinsella did it the hard way, starting in the lower leagues at Colchester before joining unfashionable Charlton. He helped Charlton to promotion to the Premiership and attracted the interest of bigger clubs during their season in the top flight. But he remained to the south Londoners even when they were relegated and his loyalty was rewarded when the Addicks bounced straight back up. Despite making his international debut against the Cezch Republic just two years ago, he has become an automatic choice for Ireland, forming a central midfield partnership with Roy Keane which is the envy of Europe. Kinsella becomes the latest in a long line of legendary names carved on the Player of the Year roster, including Roy Keane, Paul McGrath, John Aldridge, Ray Houghton and Andy Townsend. |