Teenage prodigy Rory Finneran capped a fine season for club and country by ending it with an international award.

The 15-year-old was named the Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-15 International Player of the Year at the 33rd FAI International Awards held in Dublin.

The award was recognition for a memorable maiden season at international level for Finneran, who has now earned 14 caps for his country.

The Academy starlet captained Ireland for the first time in a 3-1 victory over Australia Under-16s at the start of the year, before leading them to victory over hosts Italy in the final of the Torneo delle Nazioni in May.

It left Finneran reflecting on an excellent campaign, with the award the perfect end to an excellent year.

He said: “It’s an honour to receive the award and it’s a great way to cap off a really good season.

“It’s a real honour to play international football, especially when you’re walking out with the music playing and hearing the national anthem.

“The lads have been great with me, especially with it being my first year. I’ve got along with them all straight away and it’s just been a really good year.

“We’ve played against some top teams, the likes of Spain, Italy, Croatia and you just keep learning when you’re playing against really good players. So I’ve had some good challenges and some really good new experiences.”

With Rovers, Finneran is continuing to make great strides in the Academy set-up.

Although still only 15, he has played alongside senior players in the internal games organised by Jon Dahl Tomasson and is tipped for a big future.

Finneran has been with the club since Under-8s level, and will begin his scholarship next year.

His stock is undoubtedly growing, with the left-footed, defensive-minded midfielder having already played seven times for Rovers Under-18s last season.

He also captained a Rovers side who enjoyed IberCup success in April following a dramatic victory over Sporting Lisbon in the final.

That was a standout moment in the season, but Finneran says he has learned a lot throughout the whole year having played in higher age group football.

“It’s been a really good season at club level,” he added.

“I’ve been playing two or three years up the age groups, so it’s been a challenge, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge and it’s just been a really good season overall.  

“I’ve been playing for the Under-16s and I’ve played quite a few games for the Under-18s as well. Playing Under-18s football has been a good challenge for me and I think if I can keep playing with them then I’ll keep improving.

“Winning the IberCup was really good. I think it was really unexpected, with the last-minute equaliser and then the win on penalties, but it was just a great tournament and I think the boys did really well.

“It was a really special moment and an honour to lift the trophy in such a big tournament, with such big teams. It was a great experience.

“This coming season, I want to be playing even more games for the Under-18s and hopefully push towards the Under-21s if I can. The ultimate goal is obviously to get into the first team one day.”

Having already been with the club for seven years, Finneran thanks the staff at the Academy for the role they have played in their development that helped him achieve his international award.

He added: “This club means a lot to me because I’ve been here since I was so young. I’m going into my eighth year now and I just want to say a big thank you to all the coaches and everyone who’s helped me develop along the way.”