MARK QUIGLEY was recognised for his brilliant form in March for Dundalk when he was named the Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month today.

The Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month Award was presented to the Dundalk star by Jason Cooke, Head of Communications with Airtricity, in Dublin.

Dublin Quigley is the first Airtricity League player of the season to receive this prestigious award, and this is his second Player of the Month title having also collected the accolade in 2008.

The former Belvedere, Millwall, St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians striker had a brilliant month for his new club in March.

He scored a brace on his Lilywhites debut against Linfield and also netted the winner against Glentoran in the Setanta Sports Cup. Three of his Airtricity League goals were nominated for goal of the month by MNS and he won that accolade for a stunning volley against St Pat's.

"What can I say about Mark, he certainly deserves this accolade because to score eight goals in 11 games is phenomenal,” enthused Dundalk boss Ian Foster. "I am delighted for the lad, obviously he’s playing off Jason Byrne and is doing brilliantly for us every week.

 "For me it was the goal against St Pat’s which really stood out as his work ethic was incredible, he contributes an awful lot. I think the manner in which he and we scored that goal against St Pat’s answered a lot of Mark’s critics, because some people had questioned his work ethic. Also, Mark missed a bit of pre-season through injury and I was concerned, but he has worked hard this season.

 "He is the sort of guy who fans of any team want to watch on a regular basis, and the supporters of Dundalk certainly enjoy his performances," concluded Foster.

 For his part Quigley is taking it all in his stride. "I had a decent start to the season alright, and it’s great to get this bit of recognition because the last time I won the award was back in 2008 when I was a St Pat’s player," said Quigley. "It’s great to have started the season scoring goals because I was some two weeks behind my teammates during pre-season training due to a four day hospital stay," added the forward.