Gary Smyth helped Glentoran claim a domestic treble

Glentoran defender Gary Smyth claimed the Player of the Year at the Guinness Northern Ireland Football Awards on Monday night.

The Glens already had plenty to celebrate after winning the Daily Mirror Irish League Championship, the CIS Cup and the TFG County Antrim Shield.

But they were toasting more success after the NI Football Writers' Association awards banquet staged in Belfast's Europa Hotel.

Smyth held off the claims of team-mates Elliott Morris and Andy Smyth to take the main award.

The defender's win completed a hat-trick of individual awards having already been named Glentoran player of the year and the Castlereagh Supporters' Ulster footballer of the year.

Roy Coyle, the man who masterminded the Glentoran success, won his eighth manager of the year award.

Blackburn winger Keith Gillespie won the International Personality award after a season which saw him regaining his best form in the green jersey.

Ballymena United's Shea Campbell won the First Division Player of the Year while Dungannon Swifts boss Joe McAree won the Division One manager's award.

Linfield's Michael Gault was named Young Footballer of the Year while Killyleagh won the Junior Team honour.

Legendary goalkeeper Harry Gregg was a popular winner of the Merit Award.

Gregg starred in Northern Ireland's 1958 World Cup campaign in addition to giving distinguished service to Manchester United.

Guinness Northern Ireland Football Writers Awards 2002-03

Player of the Year
Gary Smyth (all Glentoran).

Young player of the Year
Michael Gault (Linfield).

Manager of the Year
Roy Coyle (Glentoran).

First Division Player of the Year
Shea Campbell (Ballymena United).

First Division Manager of the Year
Joe McAree (Dungannon Swifts).

International Personality of the Year
Keith Gillespie (Blackburn Rovers).

Junior Team of 2002: Killyleagh YC.