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The 74-times capped player was the cornerstone of the Republic of Ireland's bid to reach this summer's World Cup finals in Germany.
Given produced a number of outstanding performances, only for the Republic to narrowly miss out on qualification, which ultimately resulted in the departure of Brian Kerr as manager.
Given, who pipped Birmingham centre-back Kenny Cunningham and Manchester City defender Richard Dunne to the award said: "I've been nominated on numerous occasions, and I always thought I was just here to make up the numbers.
"But it's nice to get this reward now and I am very grateful."
Looking back on 2005, Given added: "It was good in some ways but not in others, in particular it is very disappointing we didn't get to Germany.
"It's been even more difficult living in England and reading about them in the papers all the time.
"It's a bitter pill to swallow, but now we've the European Championship to look forward to."
That campaign will be spearheaded by a new management team, headed by Steve Staunton - a former winner of this award - and Bobby Robson as International Football Consultant.
Robson, in particular, previously managed Given during his time as manager at St James' Park, and the Magpies number one said: "There are a few friendly faces, notably Sir Bobby.
"I will also be linking up again with (goalkeeping coach) Alan Kelly, who I used to room with.
"But we're all looking forward to tomorrow now and our first training session with Steve ahead of his first game in charge with Sweden on Wednesday."
Reading striker Kevin Doyle picked up the under-21 honour, Sunderland's Stephen Elliott won the Young International Award, while rising Bolton star Joey O'Brien was named the under-19 winner.