Derry City fans among those honoured at inaugural League Club Awards

The SSE Airtricity League Club Awards took place at Dublin's City Hall on Tuesday, October 24.

With the support of title sponsors, SSE Airtricity, the Club Awards were established by the Football Association of Ireland to recognise, support and encourage each club in the Premier and First Division to strive in their efforts to excel off the pitch as much as they do on it.

There were a huge number of entries from six categories that were open to submissions, while the SSE Airtricity League Club of the Season was chosen by a judging panel based on entries across all awards.

In the lead-up to the event, two awards were announced with the Regional Sports Centre claiming the SSE Airtricity League Pitch of the Year and Derry City winning the SSE Airtricity League Supporters Contribution Award.

There was also a special Dublin City Council Award presented by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Micheal MacDonncha, to Bohemian FC, Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic.

The SSE Awards were presented to the winners as follows:

Best Community Initiative: Limerick
Commendation for Community Initiative: Bohemian FC

Best Match Day Experience: Shamrock Rovers
Commendation for Match Day Experience: Cork City

Best Family Initiative: Bohemian FC
Commendation for Family Initiative: Cork City, Shelbourne

Supporters Contribution Award: Derry City
Commendation for Supporters Contribution: Sligo Rovers

Multimedia Club of the Year: Cabinteely
Commendation for Multimedia Activities: Wexford FC

Best Overall Marketing: Bohemian FC
Commendation for Marketing: Cork City

SSE Airtricity League Club of the Season: Cork City
Commendation for Club of the Season: Bohemian FC

Dublin City Council Award: Bohemian FC, Shelbourne, St Patrick's Athletic

Pitch of the Year: Regional Sports Centre, Waterford

Special award for Derry City supporters:

Derry City’s supporters were recognised for their outstanding contribution to their football family as they were recipients of the SSE Airtricity League Supporters Contribution Award.

Derry suffered an incredible loss earlier in the year when their captain, Ryan McBride, passed away suddenly aged 27.

However during such a tragic time the club's supporters came together to remember one of their own in an extremely distinguished fashion.

The community work done by the club and its supporters over the course of the season has been hugely impressive, which is why they have been commended with this unique award.