Former Glenavon, Larne and Coleraine star named in League of Ireland Premier Division Team of the Year

The 26-year-old departed current Irish League champions Larne in January with Joe Thomson and Micheal Glynn moving in the opposite direction to Inver Park.

It marked a return to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for Doherty, who left Derry City to join Glenavon on loan in August 2018 before making a permanent switch to Coleraine in January 2019.

In his first season back with the Candystripes, Doherty scored five goals and provided eight assists in 34 league appearances for Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side as they secured European football once again by finishing second behind champions Shamrock Rovers.

Former Chelsea, Newcastle United and Fulham winger Damien Duff was named Manager of the Year after guiding Shelbourne, who lost only six games, to fourth place.

There was also ex-Irish League representation in the First Division Team of the Year with former Linfield and Glentoran youth product Barry Baggley, who spent the 2023 season with Waterford on loan from Fleetwood Town, included after providing a league-high 12 assists.

The 21-year-old also starred in their play-off victory over Cobh Ramblers with Waterford set to take on Cork City this Friday in a promotion/relegation play-off.