Tuesday 14 May 2019

Craig Cathcart named International Personality of the Year at Football Writers' awards

Northern Ireland defender Craig Cathcart was named International Personality of the Year at the annual Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Awards.

The Watford defender was handed the accolade at a glittering bash in Belfast on Monday night.  

The 30-year-old centre-back, who has been impressive at the heart of the Hornets’ defence this season, is preparing for this weekend’s FA Cup final against Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Newtownabbey native pipped fellow international team-mates Stuart Dallas and emerging talent Jamal Lewis to the award.

“Thank you to the writers for this award,” Craig said. “It means a lot, especially after a long, hard season. To come away with something in the end is something really nice. 

“I’ve got a busy week ahead of me, preparing for the FA Cup final against Man City. We’ve got a lot of work to do and I’m looking forward to it!”

There was also an award on the night for Northern Ireland senior women’s defender Billie Simpson who was named Women’s Personality of the Year

There was also recognition for Northern Ireland’s greatest footballing son, George Best. A legend of the game, Best was posthumously inducted into the Dr Malcolm Brodie Hall of Fame.