Hoban selected as July Player of the Month

Dundalk striker Patrick Hoban has been rewarded for his recent run of good form by being crowned the the Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July.

In doing so Hoban becomes the first Dundalk player to win the accolade since Mark Quigley landed the prize in March 2011.

Hoban, signed last December by incoming Lilywhites boss Stephen Kenny, pipped Conan Byrne of St Patrick’s Athletic and Lee Murtagh of Shelbourne) to the prize.

The highlight of the 22-year-old’s month was undoubtedly a hat-trick in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bohemians as the former Bristol City and Mervue United player netted three goals from four games.

“I’m over the moon to win the award. When Stephen Kenny told me that I had won it, I was pretty shocked. Things have been going really well for me lately, so getting this award is great”, said Hoban.

“To be honest, even though it’s me getting the goals in recent games, I would be nothing without the other lads on the team. They set me up for the chances and play a big part in making me look good.

“It has been going well though and I’m really starting to enjoy my football. Last year, I was playing in the First Division, so it took me a few games to get used to the intensity in the Premier, but I’ve had a good run of games lately.

“I feel a lot fitter and that is down to our strength and conditioning coach. And when you feel fitter, your form improves and then your confidence grows. But a lot of that is down to the manager, Stephen Kenny, who has been very good to me and thankfully given me a chance.”