Playoff Final First Leg: Limerick v Finn Harps - 2 November 2015 by Limerick FC

LIMERICK VRS FINN HARPS, SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PROMOTION / RELEGATION PLAYOFF FINAL

02|11|15 - 2015 PROGRAMME COLLECTION ISSUE 18

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GROUND REGULATIONS All persons entering this stadium are admitted only subject to the following ground rules and regulations of Limerick FC. Entry to the stadium shall be deemed to constitute unqualified acceptance of these rules and regulations.

Contents Contents:

Fireworks, smoke canisters, bottles, glasses, cans, flags, banners, poles, laser pens, flares or any similar articles or containers including anything that could be used as a weapon are not permitted in the stadium. Any person in possession of such items may be refused entry or ejected from the stadium. Regulations • Persons are not permitted to bring alcohol into the stadium. • The unauthorised climbing of floodlight pylons, stands or other buildings in the stadium is forbidden. • Under no circumstances is it permitted to throw any object onto the field of play.

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• Unnecessary noise such as that from the use of radio sets and behaviour likely to cause confusion or nuisance of any kind, including foul and abusive language or racist remarks, is not permitted in the stadium. • Unauthorised persons are not permitted to enter the field of play at any time. • Any persons who fail to comply with the instructions from the stewards may be ejected from the stadium. • In general, the right of admission is reserved to the Ground Management. • The Ground Management reserves the right to refuse admission to or eject any person who refuses to be searched by a member of An Garda Síochána. • Any person who remains in an unauthorised area may be ejected from the stadium. • Racist abuse of any form will not be tolerated.

Manager's Office

Manager Martin Russell reflects on 4: MANAGER’S OFFICE

recent away performances and looks ahead to tonight's Munster Derby

“It is rare what we are trying to do”. Manager Martin Russell reflects on the dramatic events of Friday night and looks ahead to this week’s challenge.

Hometown 6: CAPTAIN’S CALL

Thoughts

Hometown midfielder Jason Hughes

back on our lastbe three “I honestlylooks didn’t expect it to the games and aheadCaptain to our return the Markets way it is now”. ShanetoDuggan Field. has praised the club’s support which has played a huge part in the ‘Great Escape’.

14: 15 FAVOURITES

Young Blood Young defender Tony Whitehead

Defender Shaun Kelly gives us an looks back on last weekend's Munster insight into someCup of his things Senior finalfavourite success and speaks - from Theabout Wolfe Tones to cheesecake! the impact of Paudie O'Connor.

• The Ground Management reserves the right to remove from the ground any person who does not comply with the ground regulations or whose presence in the ground could be reasonably construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to other spectators. • The moving of one area of the stadium to another without the permission of a steward, the Gardaí or other authorised agent of the club is forbidden. • Any person attempting to gain admission to, or being found within, a section of the ground designated for members only without the appropriate authori-

22: THE BIG INTERVIEW!

Fifteen HometownFun defender Shane Tracy Striker Clarke gives us a speaks about the Dean change in fortunes light-hearted insight intoback his life for Limerick since he first signed, in 2008, and recalls his time at English from wrestling to sleeping powers giants Arsenal. and coconuts!

sation may be ejected from the ground. • Only persons authorised in writing by the club’s management are permitted to offer sale or distribute any newspaper, periodical or any other article. • Any person found damaging or defacing property will be prosecuted. • Persons are admitted to this ground subject to their acceptance of these rules and the rules of the FAI and SSE Airtricity League. Entry to the ground should be unqualified acceptance. • In the event of the match being postponed or abandoned, any refund of the

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30: CLASSIC MATCH

We dig intoLucky the archives 13! and go back to the league-winning season 1979/80, We look back onoflast Sunday's to a five-goal thrillerSenior away to Finn Harps Munster Cup final against with sevenAvondale games remaining. United as Limerick won

the trophy for the 13th time!

admission charge will be at the sole discretion of the club management. This is subject to a time limitation, the details of which are available from the club’s office. Persons entering the ground are advised to retain their ticket stub as this may be required to be produced at a later date.

Anthem - football creatives

MANAGER'S OFFICE

MANAGER’S MANAGER'S OFFICE

MANAGER’S OFFICE MARTIN RUSSELL MANAGER’S OFFICE MANAGER’S OFFICE

LIMERICK FC vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK FC FC VRS FINN HARPS

“I FULLY BELIEVE SHOULD HAVE MORE “WE DUG IN AND WEWE WERE RESILIENT IN THE END. IT “I FULLY BELIEVE WEYOU SHOULD HAVE POINTS. SOMETIMES DON’T GET MORE THE REWAS A MASSIVE EFFORT AND THE HEIGHT OF RESPECT POINTS. SOMETIMES YOU EVERYTHING DON’T GETTHEM THE RETO THE PLAYERS WHO EXPECT GAVE AGAIN. ONE WARDS WHEN YOU TO GET BUT THING THEY HAVE BEEN IS HONEST. AGAIN, THE WARDS WHEN YOU EXPECT TO ONCE GETTHE THEM BUT YOU’VE JUST GOT TO KEEP DOING RIGHT SUPPORTERS THAT TRAVELLED SLIGOTHE WERE YOU’VEAND JUST GOT TOITKEEP DOING RIGHT THING BELIEVE WILLTO COME RIGHT” FANTASTIC” THING AND BELIEVE IT WILL COME RIGHT” ood evening and welcome G to Jackman Park for ood evening and welcome G back this evening’s SSE Airtricity back to Jackman Park for League Premier Division match and

ood evening and welcome back to the Markets Field for our SSE Airtricity League Promotion / Relegation Playoff this evening’s SSE Airtricity Final against Finn Harps. WeCity. extend Munster Derby Cork We League Premieragainst Division match and aextend warma welcome to Ollie Horgan, his warm welcome to John CaulMunster Derby against Cork City. We players, staff, the officials and field, hisabackroom players, backroom team,Caulthe extend warm welcome to John supporters of Finn Harps FC who have officials and supporters of team, Cork City field, his players, backroom the made the long trip to relatively Limerick today. FC who have made the short officials and supporters of Cork City Finn Harpstoday havefor hadwhat a good season, fintrip here I am sureshort will FC who have made the relatively ishing second to Wexford Youths in the be competitive encounter. tripanother here today for what am sure will First Division where theyI had the best be another encounter. defence andcompetitive least number of losses. We come into this weekend on the We know it is going to be a difficult asback of twointo away games. We come thisleague weekend on We the signment to overcome them across this firstly went to Sligo Rovers and showed back oftwo twolegs. away league games. We week’s some character in Rovers not lying in firstly went to Sligo anddown showed searching for the which we some character notinto lying down in It is very hard toinequaliser, put words what got at the death. On the balance of searching for the equaliser, we witnessed on Friday nightwhich in ourwe fithe think aatOn point well degot game, at theI game death. thewas balance of nal league Sligo Rovers, our served. WeIcreated in well the win there ultimately setting up first this the game, think a chances point was dehalf; we had a couple of near-misses match tonight. From the get-go to the served. We created chances in the first where they got a couple of very vifinal were of so near-misses many things half; whistle we hadthere a couple tal tackles Ianbetween one that happened Thevery Showwhere theyin.got a Turner couplemissed of viwhere the ‘keeper came out into no-it grounds and Stadium, tal tackles in.Tallaght Ian Turner missedand one man’s andbeDean Clarke also turned out ‘keeper to a night to where land the came outremember into had nothe ‘keeper in no-man’s land. We defor everybody. But after it was digested, man’s land and Dean Clarke also had served at we least ano-man’s draw. we work toland. do inWe getting theknew ‘keeper inhad debodies right for today and the focus served at least a draw. quickly to this. our point Againstturned Bohemians at From Dalymount Parkof view in Sligo, could only lookThey after last Friday waswevery Against Bohemians atfrustrating. Dalymount Park ourselves, and having been 2-0 up then are team was thatvery is going very well in last aFriday frustrating. They suddenly you’re walking in at half-time the league but we had good periods of are a team that is going very well in with just a and one-goal lead having condomination wehad just could not turn the league but we good periods of ceded with theWe lastgot kick. We were gothat into goals. a sucker-punch domination and we just could not turn ing into the end second half against a fierce right at the to deny a draw. I’ve that into goals. We got aus sucker-punch

right at the end to deny us a draw. I’ve

wind; we they were going to which pile balls asked the knew lads to give everything, theyon top of us every set-piece was going did. I told them that would bewhich re-to come asked theand lads tothat give everything, they right in on goal. We tried to put pressure warded, and unfortunately it wasn’t did. I told them that that would be reon them it inand theunfortunately first with in-swingers because didn’t gohalf for us. But warded, itagain, wasn’t with that wind. When you only have you couldn’t fault the effort and because it didn’t go for us. But again, a one-goal going against that, some of the lead football a you couldn’t fault we theplayed effort on and it was going to take a big effort to decent was pleasing. some ofsurface the football we playedWhat on a see it through. For us to get anothIdecent wouldsurface also saywas about the match pleasing. What er buffer with the third was was the also officials that goal came Igood, would say about the match and itWales showed at the end over from let thecame was we theneeded officials that that it. game flow Wales and were over from let the very, very competent game andgame. were It wasI think aflow hectic and it also very, It wasvery one competent where we helped the game and I think itinalso were positive our to be an enterhelped the game play at the start and taining one.enterto be got theanrewards. taining one.there We went After Bohs and created scored their aAfter numberBohs of first scoredgoal,their chances onI think the first of goal, top theI sgoals h a c k l es think that the came we s h a cscored. k l off es us again. From at-I came an off thought weI tacking point us again. were a little of view, we thought bit nervy for the know were a there little first ten minutes. are goals in us, bit nervy for the They took the but a defirst from ten minutes. lead from fensive point of They but took the view weinprobthereon we lead but from ably gave up were always thereon in we one two trying to were oralways chances that get trying backto we into the get need backto into the

game. When wekeep did equalise we on. looked likethe thegame teamisthat look at and on working When discould possibly win it. There was a lot of good stuff, a lot of sected andwe wedid look at it and we the can team say where game. When equalise weanalyse lookeditlike that positive playimprove. and were hurt by notthings at aleast a wepossibly can always tostuff, work on. could winwe it.There Thereare was a lot ofachieving good lotWe of draw. Every forward their and no least differdug inplay and we were resilient thenot end. ItDean was aismassive efpositive and weloves were hurtingoals by achieving at a ent. It was good for him to get off the mark in the league fort and the height of respect to the players who gave evedraw. Every forward loves their goals and Dean is no differlast week. work-rate has first-class and it the was league only a again. Onehim thing they have isinhonest. Once ent.rything It wasHis good for tobeen get off thebeen mark again, the supporters that travelled to Sligo were fantastic matter of time before that gotbeen rewarded. I’mand gladitfor him anda last week. His work-rate has first-class was only and it was great that they cheered on the lads the way he deserves it, because he has worked as hard as anybody. matter of time before that got rewarded. I’m glad for him they and did. It’s such a quick turnaround, playing again today. The he deserves it, because he has worked as hard as anybody. lads back wereathere at the Markets Field for aCup training session Looking last Sunday’s Munster Senior final against yesterday afternoon and we will be as well prepared as Avondale United, dominated the Senior game and played well Looking back at lastwe Sunday’s Munster Cup final against possible forthird. this game. up to the final ‘keeper the got Man the played Match.well We Avondale United, weTheir dominated gameofand were doing a lot of good stuff but without getting the goals up to the final third. Their ‘keeper got Man of the Match. We We are to have thisatopportunity this week it to that playadelighted deserved. kept it and ultimately wereour doing lot of goodWe stuff but without getting thewon goals preserve our Premier Division status. We go to Finn Park with a penalty late on. Because came so close toit thaton our play night deserved. Weaway keptthe at itgame and ultimately won Friday – every fixture in the country can be Friday’s one at Bohemians, it wasthe always thecame plan so to give withdemanding, a penalty late on. Because game closethe to and it would be nice to take a lead there. But lads an opportunity who haven’t had that and also to rest Friday’s onejust at Bohemians, it was always plan totry give weplayers. will dealwere withthe tonight’s gamethe first and to the put some They two principles that I was workladsinananother opportunity who haven’t had that and also to rest performance that can get us the result that we ing onplayers. in termsThey of team selection. The gamethat itself, we workwere some were the two principles I was want to put us on the front foot going to Donegal. It’s two well onintop throughout without getting the goals. It’s coning on terms team selection. The game itself, wea were 90 minutes –ofyou don’t know what is going to happen in cern that when you work so hard for goals that you don’t put wellthe on games top throughout without getting the goals. It’s a conbut we’ll try to play as we did last Friday, in a themthat away, but you nobody misses chances on purpose. It’s just a cern when so hard positive fashion, work and may the for bestgoals teamthat win.you Wedon’t haveput belittle bit of quality at the right time that gets you those goals. them but nobody chances justbe a liefaway, in ourselves. We misses had belief goingon to purpose. Sligo andIt’s it will We’ll keep working at it. If we weren’t playing or attacking little bitsame of quality at theBut right thatFinn getsHarps you those goals. the this week. wetime will give the respect as well as we are then there would be bigger problems. We’ll at it. because If we weren’t playing attacking thatkeep theyworking duly deserve they have hadora good seaasson wellunder as weOllie are and thenthey’re there would be bigger in the playoff on problems. merit as well. It was nice to get the trophy at the end of it. I noticed that there are not a lottrophy of times Limerick won ItWe was nicecome to get the at that the end it.have I noticed have a long way together and of everybody has it. Cork have dominated many of the seasons gone played their thetimes last three months,have not won least that there arepart not over a lot of that Limerick by, so it’s nice to get some silverware for that reason the supporters who have been magnificent. It is over it. Cork have dominated many of the seasons gone too. It gives that winning mentality that is also imthree hours Sligo they again showed up reason in their by, so it’s nicetoto getand some silverware for that portant. The lads that came in all did okay. Wemany say numbers. It’s a winning testament to them that too. It gives that mentality that is so also imto all the young players not to just settle but to made the trip on a Friday evening, and a testament portant. The lads that came in all did okay. We say come in and make a real impact and keep on also to the efforts that they have seen the playto all the young players not to just settle but to challenging yourselves. you can ers produce. Between theIf supporters and the come in and make a real impact andchallenge keep on yourself at the highest level then go for players, they have done the club proud in this challenging yourselves. If you can challenge run wethe have gonestreet. on. is difficult to that,that rather than easy keep on yourself at highest levelIt We then go for remember a comeback like it. It is rare, asking them andeasy encouraging to that, rather than street. Wethem keep on probably, what we are trying to do. But get better. We’re seeing some of that asking them and encouraging them to webetter. haven’t doneseeing it yet.some Let’s see the as well. get We’re of that through. asjob well. We go into tonight’s game hoping Thanks forfirst yourwin support enjoy to get our ofgame theand season. We go into tonight’s hoping the game, We lost in win Corkofearlier in the to get our5-0 first the season. Martin Russell. campaign if you lookinback We lost 5-0but in Cork earlier the at that, there was a dubious campaign but if you look back penalty and awas red acard that at that, there dubious penalty and a red card that

“I NOTICED “BETWEEN THE THAT “I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE NOT SUPPORTERS AND THE THERE ARE NOT PLAYERS, HAVE A LOT THEY OF TIMES DONE THELIMERICK CLUB PROUD A LOT OF TIMES THAT IN HAVE THIS RUN THATTHE WE THAT LIMERICK WON HAVE GONE ON. IT IS HAVE WON THE MUNSTER SENIOR DIFFICULT TO MUNSTER SENIOR CUP, SO IT’S NICE REMEMBER A COMECUP, SO IT’S NICE TOLIKE GET BACK IT. SOME IT IS TOPROBABLY, GET SOME SILVERWARE FOR RARE, WHAT SILVERWARE FOR WE ARE TRYING TO DO. THAT REASON BUTTHAT WE HAVEN’T DONE REASON TOO. IT GIVES IT YET. LET’S THE TOO. IT SEE GIVES THAT WINNING JOB THROUGH” THAT WINNING MENTALITY THAT MENTALITY IS ALSOTHAT IS ALSO IMPORTANT” IMPORTANT”

JERRY O'DEA'S BAR

was never a sending-off. Those deciMulgrave Street, Limerick sions turneda the game, so Those it was decia bit was never sending-off. of a false game someso ways. Having sions turned theingame, it was a bit said that, you only have to look at the of a false game in some ways. Having Cork squad – they couldtoput outattwo said that, you only have look the teams and be competitive. They’re up Cork squad – they could put out two there challenging. It won’t be an easy teams and be competitive. They’re up game. We’ll have toIt be as good we there challenging. won’t be anaseasy were against Dundalk, Shamrock Rovgame. We’ll have to be as good as we ers and even Dundalk, Saint Patrick’s Athletic. were against Shamrock RovWe just want the first win and then ers and even Saint Patrick’s Athletic. take it from I fully we We just wantthere. the first winbelieve and then should POST-MATCH take it have from more there.points. I fully Sometimes believe we you don’t get the rewards when you should have more points. Sometimes PUB SPONSOR expect to get but you’ve just you got you don’t getthem the rewards when to keeptodoing the right thing and expect get them but you’ve just begot lieve it will come right. Markets Fieldand beto keepAcross doingfrom thetheright thing in tocome see Martin and the players lieve Call it will right. Thanks for your aftersupport the match!and enjoy the match, Thanks Martin for yourRussell. support and enjoy the match, Martin Russell.

CAPTAIN’S CALL SHANE DUGGAN

CAPTAIN’S CALL

ello and welcome back to the Markets Field for our SSE Airtricity League Promotion / Relegation Playoff Final against Finn Harps. It was disappointing losing at home to Shamrock Rovers in our last home game but we knew we would have one final chance going up to Sligo with the way the Drogheda game had gone that night. We knew if we could get the three points in The Showgrounds that we would have a very good chance because with Drogheda going away to Shamrock Rovers it was obviously a tough task for them. Sligo is always a tough place to go and it proved no different for us. We had a very strong wind in the first half. I talked to a couple of the lads and we said if we won the toss we would play with it, try to pin them in and get one or two goals, and it might break them a bit. It was hard conditions for them in the first half. We got the two goals and I thought we could have had one or two more. That might have killed them off, but the goal they got just before halftime got them back into it and we knew going into the second half it was going to be tough playing against that galeforce wind. But credit to the lads, we managed to get another goal to make it 3-1. The last few minutes were dodgy enough when they got their second but we held out well. At half-time, we had heard the scoreline from Tallaght but there was no point in us worrying about Drogheda when we still had a job to do. We could hear the roar from our supporters so I knew things were probably going well. Every time they roared gave us a bit of a lift; we knew we could kick on and try to get the result in our own game. When Sligo scored in the first minute of injury-time at the end, I was just thinking ‘defend,

LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

“IT WILL MEAN VERY LITTLE IF WE DON’T GO AND FINISH

INSIDE THE DRESSING-ROOM WITH OUR HOMETOWN CAPTAIN “THE SUPPORT HAS BEEN BRILLIANT. THE NUMBERS THAT HAVE BEEN COMING OUT IS FANTASTIC. I KNOW PEOPLE WERE SAYING BEFORE WE WENT INTO THE MARKETS FIELD THAT THE CROWDS WERE GOING TO COME BACK BUT I HONESTLY DIDN’T EXPECT IT TO BE THE WAY IT IS NOW”

defend’. When they had that last chance I was thinking ‘oh no!’. When I saw it going wide I was delighted. It was a very nervy last few minutes. They were throwing everybody up front and putting high balls in on top of us. We just had to keep our concentration, stay focussed and have a good shape about us. Thankfully, that chance didn’t go in at the end and we managed to see it out. Overall, I thought we were the better team. The way we play, we want to play football and we have to spread out and everybody has to look for the ball. But at times if we lose the ball or give it away cheaply it can cause us problems. But that’s the way we play. We’ve scored a lot of goals this season. We’re entertaining. Some of the

THE JOB. IT WOULD BE VERY DISAPPOINTING IF THERE IS A PREMIER DIVISION NEXT SEASON AND LIMERICK ARE NOT IN IT, BECAUSE WHAT THE CLUB ARE DOING OFF-THE-PITCH AS WELL IS MASSIVE”

I go around the City people seem to be talking about it and asking about the next game. Again in Sligo, a big crowd travelled up, a long journey on a bad night. With it being on TV, a lot of people could have easily stayed at home. But the numbers came out again and supported us. They really did give us a lift. They didn’t stop singing for the whole night. I think as well the way we’re playing, the style of football is really entertaining and I think that’s encouraging people to come out and watch us.

goals we give away are just individual errors. We don’t really get carved open that much; it’s just sloppy mistakes that could be cut out. I’m sure everybody is enjoying the way we’re playing at the moment. We probably gave a few people heart-attacks again on Friday night when Sligo brought it back to 3-2! It was a little bit edgy in the last couple of minutes. The turnaround since 1 August is unbelievable with the run of games we went on. But even then, we had opportunities to get off the bottom two or three times and we didn’t take them. I was starting to think in my head ‘are we running out of chances?’. We left it to the last game and managed to get off it. We still have two massive games coming up now. Hopefully, we can win these and everything will be rosy! The support has been brilliant. The numbers that have been coming out is fantastic. I know people were saying before we went into the Markets Field that the crowds were going to come back but I honestly didn’t expect it to be the way it is now. Everywhere

It will mean very little if we don’t go and finish the job. It would be very disappointing if there is a Premier Division next season and Limerick are not in it, because what the club are doing offthe-pitch as well is massive. It would be very upsetting if we can’t stay in the Premier Division. But it’s up to us now in the next two games to make sure that we do. We’ll be giving it everything we can because, as I said, Limerick and the league would be much better if we are in it. Thanks for your support and enjoy the match, Shane Duggan.

BOARDROOM O’SULLIVAN THE THE BOARDROOM: PATPAT O'SULLIVAN

LIMERICK vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK FC FC VRS FINN HARPS

THE BOARDROOM the boardroom

G W

ood evening and welcome back to the aMarkets Field for e extend warm welcome our Leagueleague Proto SSE youAirtricity all to tonight’s motion / Relegation Playoff match against Cork City. Final against Harps. Wewelcome extend WeFinn particularly aallwarm welcome to our visitors our visitors from Cork – from John Ballybofey who have backroom made the team, long Caulfield, his players, trip our city We hope the to officials andtonight. supporters who they have enjoy their visit to Limerick and the made the trip to our city this evening. Markets Field. This is always an important fixture for

everybody involved with both clubs, it Last Friday was an occasion that will is a Munster Derby and for us there live forever with those who witnessed would certainly be no better place to it, either at the match or on television. kick-start our league season than here. It was one of those nights you live for and what makes sport so special. What I would like to begin by congratulatthis team has done is miraculous and ing Martin andintheturning playersthis on winning their courage season the Munster Senior Cup last around must be applauded by Sunday. everyMany When will view competition as rethe body. all the seemed lost, they least important of those on offer but fused to lie down and have entertained we just were delighted to get our whole hands not Limerick people but the on someNow, silverware, to the league. we havewhich givenadds ourselves Southern Elite Division title which we a real opportunity of retaining our won at Under-19 level inthis March. It We was Premier Division status week. a well-contested Clounreask know that there isfinal still in a huge job to last weekend. The Avondale United do against a very good Finn Harps side. goalkeeper, Daniel O’Leary, wasand in fanThey have our utmost respect we tastic form but in the end we got what know that it will be an extremely difI felt tie. we deserved with a late winner. ficult The game presented Martin with an This club has come a long way. We opportunity to look at some of are the on a solidthat pathhave and we got tomuch look players nothave featured positively at and the they future. Weithave this season gave theirBruff, all to which acknowledged by evethe securehas thebeen trophy. We beat this Government and the National Associaning’s opponents Cork in the semi-fition by giving us try a capital grant to help nal and we will to take belief from us to develop it as a Regional Centre of last week’s success into our coming Excellence. Weand hope to have league games indeed theour FAIplanCup ning for it before the end of December. which gets underway in a fortnight’s We have a terrific underage structure time. and a good Academy. We know we have to develop that of on double a long-term It was a weekend celebasis. With that in mind, we have done bration as our Under-16s were also a review of the Academy over the crowned Premier League champions past couple of months. We will soon having gone through the season with announce a very well-known former a 100 percent record. They have been footballer – born, bred and reared in one of our standout teams at Academy level since the campaign got un-

Limerick – who will take over administration and dederway and also enjoyed a run threewith rounds velopment of our Academy in through collaboration our offirst-team the National Cup. Unfortunately, as was the case, manager, from the ground up. We have to their finalbecause two games awarded walkovers, do that we arewere starved here ofas natural talent meaning they had yet to receive the league trophy. coming through. That’s a real positive for the club. Thankfully they will be presented with the U16 title atAnother half-time andseason we canhas acknowledge a fantastic is today that this seen us return to the achievement. on years. this success Markets FieldI send aftercongratulations an absence of 31 I wantto to thankCasey-Ryan, the McManus Family and and all the at MarLeon all the players all staff the coaches tinstown for their support in ensuring that you supwho have played a part in their development. Weashope porters and we as with a clubushave state-of-the-art facility those that remain for athe Under-17 National which is and form I wantpart youoftothe really apLeague willsecond-to-none grow further and future preciate that. These here at Limerick FC. people have done terrific things for Limerick and I hope that nobody ever takes them for granted.to What been happenI and alsotheir takeefforts this opportunity wishhasGer Costelloe, ing here in this Stadium with this team for the past Gary Manning and all the players in our Under-15 number months is as something special. have tersquad theof best of luck they prepare for We tomorrow’s rific crowds coming here, with a lot of families, giving Under-16 Division One Cup final against Aisling Annaus fantastic andofeverybody enjoying themcotty at the support University Limerick. is Kick-off is 11am selves. You’re bonding with the team, you’re seeing on their fantastic all-weather facility – we hope to see what we’re doing and you’re inspiring andmypeople you there to get behind the boys! When us I pen next in the background in Limerick to drive it on harder. I notes, they will be for our return to the Markets Field. want to thank you all for your support and hopefully Roll on Friday 5 June! come 10pm on Friday night we will be looking forward to Premier Division football again in 2016. Thanks for your support and enjoy the game, Enjoy the match, Pat O’Sullivan. Pat O’Sullivan.

IN PHOTOS : LIMERICK FC VRS SLIGO ROVERS

LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

Photography: Conor Wyse

10 12

LIMERICK vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK FC FC VRS FINN HARPS

PLAYEROF VIEW PLAYER THE YEAR

11 13

PLAYER “OUR SPIRIT PLAYER OFVIEW: THE YEAR AWARD: WHO WILL IT BE? Andrew Cunneen reveals his shortlist – for Limerick’s best man IS VERY HIGH” TONY Young defender also praises “rock” in Paudie efender Tony Whitehead says the squad’s spirit remains “very high” and he is confident that their positive attitude will help them turn water into wine as they look to rise up the Premier Division table in the coming weeks.

rience can benefit a football team. He’s been the anchor

The risedefence of 17-year-old Paudie O’Connor has have meant in the through spells where they could been Whitehead been limited to justtofour ap- a blown out has of games, but managed hold league on to sneak pearances thisofterm. hetoadmits it has been and diffi-he’s point. A lot this isAnd down the Yorkshireman cult toofstay but he praised contribution one thematch-fit, better centre-halves in thethe country – even if he ofdoesn’t his fellow centre-half. “It’s tough,” he said. “To be get the credit for it. honest, I’d love an Under-21 League where if I didn’t play onClarke: a Friday or Saturday that maybe I could Dean Despite being played up top for most get of the some on aClarke Sunday staythe as fit first game-time half of the year, hasand caught eyeasofthe many boys. With Derek (McCarthy) on a Monday and Tuesclubs in the league. That in itself speaks volumes as the day, I do isn’t an extra All the boys don’t do league shortbit. on wingers – butthat Clarke, evenplay at 21/22, anhas extra bit, but nothing compares to match fitness, shown determination and mental strength to plough asthrough everyone knows.where Paudie has have beenbeen brilliant. situations it may easierHe tohas give in been rock atHe the thinkwhile someplaying people when and acrumble. gotback. a fewI goals a lone strike they play can to get bit frustrated, I know role,don’t but his switch lefta wing ensured he’sbut beating every Paudie is playing very on well. I’m just going to The have full-back in the country a week-to-week basis. Dubtolin keep working hard.the Eventually I know I’ll get mythe native was always attacking spark – well before chance I’mgreat just going have to take it.” wheelsand of the escapeto were in motion.

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“It’s just the green the moment takerub theof playoff withat open arms. Paul and once we get a bit of luck that O’Conor has played at right-back, will centrebe it half, I think. A fewmidfield, wins, we’re upmidfield the holding central table and and operated people will stop talking. It’s at number ten. Limerick not that we listen to people – we know were often down to bare bones and it it’s going to change It’s aHe’s bignot was O’Conor thateventually. filled the gaps. gamemissed tonight. It’s a big Munster Derby. I a many games at all and has been think constant we owe feature Cork one well. would in aas side thatItstill offered be nice to get something from it. I attacking threat. His best positionthink is when the boys have a with bit ofeither confidence he’swill partnered Lynch oraf-Ruster the win against Avondale. Hopefully, sell in central areas – often providing runs we can go deep and get something. Sun- to from where he pouncesLast on scraps day, Ifind thought we did alright. Butyou’ve for aforimportant goals. In case lot ofgotten us it was 90 minutes. I think a lotSligo – Dundalk in the last minute, of us in could do minute with it.and I don’t think ourgoal the last the insurance performance was where it should have last Friday. His job isn’t always glamorous, been,but buthetorarely win and trophy it’s algivesit’s theaball away,– he’s

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Limerick find themselves at the foot of the standings after 12 games prior to ways in a position to receive the ball when teammates are hate individual awards. I abthis evening’s visit of Cork City, without being pressed high and his attitude has been top class all solutely can’t stand them. It’s a win. But last weekend they collected year. a team sport and every single silverware in the form of the Munster player has a role in a given sysSenior Cup and Whitehead wants them Robbie Williams: It seems bizarre to include a centre-half tem that makes them either flourish, do to build on that and bring it into their in this discussion considering Limerick conceded 73 goals dirty work, or in some cases – if they’re league campaign. “I think everyone will across 33 league games, but bear with me. The earlydoing their job really well – appear to be be surprised to hear that our spirit is very season defensive setup was catastrophic. Between Conor doing nothing whatsoever. Yet here I am high,”listing Tony my toldthree Intocontenders The Blue. for “AllPlayer the of O’Donnell’s frequent lapses in concentration, Seán Hardboys come into training in a good mood. ing’s indifferent performances, an unfit Shane Tracy (signed the Year. Obviously, it hurts us when we lose but something buildwith on no forpre-season) Cork. It’s the first seniora 17 after a fewto games and partnering we’rePaul trying to stay positive because we medal that I’ve won so hopefully I’ll have a morehas year-old centre-half for a lot of the season, few Williams O’Conor: This season wasn’t just 11 knowgames thingslong. are going to change a fewayears’ prime time.” example of how professionalism and expeYou might wish it for wasus. – Lim- in been

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PLAYER Q&A: FIFTEEN FAVOURITES

SHAUN KELLY

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FIFTEEN CLASSICFAVOURITES MATCH

S CLASSIC MATCH: WALSH WINS IT

hort Bio: Shaun Kelly (born: 9 March 1989) is a right-back from Killybegs, County Donegal who started out at his local club Saint Catherine’s, alongside current Republic of Ireland International defender Séamus Coleman. Kelly moved to Scottish giants Heart of Midlothian in June 2005, spendHamilton claimed his home. ing three illy years there before returning piece of silverware He signedfirst for Dundalk in 2009, staying for two at Limerick thanks this UEFA Euseasons during which time he to played narrowest of wins overHeCork City in United ropa League football. joined Galway theinMunster Senior Cup final at Rath2011 but midway through that season arbane onata Limerick, Wednesday evening in Sep- until July rived where he remained tember like last weekend, 2014. 1988. After aJust 12-month absence spent at Derthis trophy was sealed from the penalry City he returned to Shannonside this sumty mer. spot,Shaun although muchofearlier wasit acame member our 2012 First in Division this game. Also in contrast, this fixtitle-winning squad. ture 27 years ago saw Limerick riding high the top car? of the Premier Division 1) at Favourite Munster Senior Cup Final table. The breakthrough came when Range Rover. Rathbane, Wednesday 28 September 1988 Cork’s Norman Kelly inexplicably Limerick 1-0 Cork City punched a Marcus cross awayfootball)? 2) Favourite sportsTuite person (outside under from Hamilton. ReferBrianpressure O’Driscoll. ee Noel Bennett, as the match report notes, had “nofootball hesitation in awarding half started promisingly enough for Limerick, though, with 3) Favourite analyst / commentator? theGary spot-kick”, Harrington pushing a Hamilton header over the bar. Then Neville. and Johnny Walsh converted. came a spell when the Leesiders threatened to take control. 4) Favourite personal football memory?They won the midfield battle and player/manager Eamonn Cork reorganised as Division O’Keefe a bit awkward for those at minute! the back. MidSuits, life because I’m watching it at the As good as it wasthemselves winning thebut First I made thethink game progressed it became obvi-nightway getting off bottom on Friday wasthrough the half, Barriscale was forced into making a ousmythat they had their of limitations. “A wefine from O’Keefe.cheat Just when Favourite meal?the game looked all over, favourite because the position weresave 10) tough, there were incidents at both ends. Hanrahan was clean Chinese. in! uncompromising type of team, they were bereft of ideas, especially through but Harrington advanced to avert the danger and Favouriteofsport (outside football)? up5)front, and movie? were more destroyers there was11) a moment panic at the far end as an O’Keefe Favourite Football. than creators”. It took them 35 min- free fromGaelic just outside the area took a deflection and cleared Shawshank Redemption. utes to fire their first shot of note, the bar for a corner. Limerick were relieved to hear the final with Barriscale brilliantly denying whistle. 12) Favourite footballer? 6) Favourite band? Messi. The Wolfe Tones. Freyne. Freyne, always in the thick of the action, struck the crossbar with a Former Limerick player Ger Duggan said afterwards: “Cork 13) Favourite opposition League of of Ireland player? 7) Favourite / actress? powerful drive actor and then Walsh had a are always difficult to beat; they play a type football that There are a fewItbut go for myninth fellowsuccess Donegal Denzel Washington. goal disallowed for offside. Hamilton, is not easy to combat”. wasI’ll Limerick’s in man the Barry McNamee!! a tireless worker, was back in defence competition and bridged a four-year gap to their previous Favourite goal (all-time)? to 8) prevent an awkward situation, and one in 1984/85. In the next 16 renewals, they would win 14) in Favourite destination? Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s winner the Chamthen Coyle put in a great run to setinup it just once, 1994/95,holiday in a period where Cork dominated New York. pions League finalbigforstriker Manchester Hanrahan, but the headedUnited within14 triumphs. off1999. target. 15)Barriscale, Favourite dessert? Limerick City: Mullane, O’Halloran, Daly, Cowpar, Tuite (ManCheesecake. 9) Favourite TV programme? The second half saw Cork apply pres- nion 25), Coyle, Hyde, Walsh, Hamilton, Hanrahan. sure and there were periods when the Cork City: Harrington, Murphy, Long, Healy, Kelly, Freyne, Windridge, home side were lucky to survive. The Conroy, Duggan, O’Keeffe, Caulfield. Referee: Noel Bennett (Clare).

Limerick regain Champions of Munster title

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CUNNEEN COLUMN

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CUNNEEN COLUMN: THE COLD WINDS OF THE WEST Andrew Cunneen reflects on a dramatic night in Limerick’s survival bid

hen your weekly wage depends on what you write about football, you typically become cold to it. It’s just a job – a bit of business. I take football very seriously of course, I just don’t get as emotionally involved as I once did. When Shamrock Rovers had a penalty to make it 2-2, Mike Aherne and Keith Wallace told me I’d gone so pale that they thought I was going to collapse.

It had been a fairly hectic week. I’d been in Cork, Dublin and made the commute to Sligo full of expectation. I felt the situation worked out well for Limerick. Due to this, I didn’t anticipate too much of a scare because Drogheda had been the

THIS FOOTBALL CLUB WAS ONE DANNY LEDWITH STRIKE AWAY FROM UNDOING ALL THE POSITIVITY THEY’D BUILT UP OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS AFTER DECADES OF FAILED ATTEMPTS TO RECONNECT A CLUB TO ITS CITY.

poorest side in the league for a number of months. The implosion of the Premier League – a money-led dynamic that saw the ‘best league in the world’ collapse into nothing more than a game of billionaires had me slightly disillusioned with top-level football. I’m a Birmingham fan of course, so there’s not much fear of that interfering with my own football club any time soon – but the point remains. We, as a nation, pump millions into that league, when all it is, is 38 weeks of sides that cost hundreds of millions of pounds, sitting in shape and passing the ball around with no forward momentum in the hope that someone slips up for a split second so they can pounce. Now, for a football purist, that’s fine. If you’re really connected to your Premier League club, then I’m delighted for you – but your passion for that or the associated entertainment value will never match what you were/could have been a part of on Friday night. After we had set up in the Sligo press box, sidestepping some technical issues, it all became quite real. I went to Sligo with Mike Aherne. As animated as I am, I don’t think anyone that’s ever spoken to Mike or listened to his commentary could say they’re more passionate about Limerick soccer than he is. As we drove in the shadow of the Dartry Mountains, a chilling cold came over us. I’d written thousands of words about this whole ‘great escape’ effort. We’d revelled in being able to take pride in the effort. But to the point where we passed through ‘Yeats Country’, that’s all it had been – effort. I didn’t feel the claim made about the lack of pressure on Limerick was valid. If you didn’t think there was pressure on Limerick to win in Galway, you’re sadly mistaken. It wasn’t in their hands on Friday night though. Sometimes that air of uncertainty calms you, and sometimes it eats away at you from inside. The cold winds of the west scarred. There was notable tension in the Showgrounds. The icy chill of an occasion can often make you taste the air. Sampling the environment only adds to the reality of the whole situation.

Martin Russell cleverly worked on set-pieces in training – he knew Sligo’s concentration levels would probably not be at their peak. He knew. Shane Duggan knew. Shane Duggan scored. The icy chill had temporarily been diluted by the glowing warmth of hope in the away end as the pyrotechnics illuminated the dark Sligo sky.

ed betting service. There were extended minutes where my eyes wouldn’t leave the screen to see if Rovers had moved towards the Drogheda goal. The equaliser came. The floodgates opened. Eyes back on Limerick.

As news broke through of Drogheda’s early lead, then the immediate response from Rovers before Mulvenna netted again for the Boynesiders – it was only ever going to be a night of raw emotion. Paul Caddis scored a 94th-minute equaliser two years ago for Birmingham to help them escape relegation on the final day of the Championship season. That nearly broke me. I think Friday night broke me several times over. Just as you felt you could concentrate on the one game – bang. When Paul O’Conor headed home, I was confident – especially after Freddy had saved Corcoran’s tame effort from the spot. When Sander Puri pulled one back, I was not. Between then and just shy of the hour mark, I began to fear the worst for Limerick. Apart from the eternal optimism of Aherne and O’Donnell, there was an eerie silence in that press box. We were watching scores on an automat-

Faherty’s strike coincided well with the Drogheda collapse. That eased the nerves. Two goal swings in both games was fine. Sit back and relax. Enter Ruairí Keating. The last 120 seconds of that match will live with me forever. This football club was one Danny Ledwith strike away from undoing all the positivity they’d built up over the last few months after decades of failed attempts to reconnect a club to its city. Tomás Connolly blew his whistle. I wasn’t to feel the cold again that night, as the colour returned to my face.

PLAYER Q&A: FUN FIFTEEN

DEAN CLARKE

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LIMERICK vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK FCFC VRS FINN HARPS

PLAYER Q&A LOOK OPPOSITION

FOCUS ON FINN HARPS S

hort Bio: Dean Clarke 6) Your first footballing memory? (born: 29 March 1993) is Just because I watched a home video of it rea forward who played his cently, my brother and I playing an intense schoolboy football with Greystones, game of 1v1 when I was about 5. I lost! Park Celtic and Saint Joseph’s Boys istory to UCD. Having played before moving 7) Your dream car? Harps was formedCollege in 1954 as aAidan Price’s car. with the Finn successful Oatlands club. The name team thatjunior dominated the club’s Leinster andderives from the river that runs through Ballybofey All-Ireland Schools Cups, Dean was – the8) Do you have any pre-match superstitions River Finn his – andPremier the traditional Irish debut symbol of theor rituals? handed Division harp. They first came to national prominence byI just relax as much as possible – not one to get aged 18, coming off the bench in a 3-0 winning theover 1968Dundalk FAI JuniorinCup, which enabledtoo hyped or waste energy in the warm-up. home win September them to compete in the FAI Intermediate 2011. He remained there until thisCup the following season. they were knocked season when heAfter rejoined forces with out of9) What is your favourite goal of all-time? that competition, club directors Fran Fields and The first one that comes to mind is Robbie Martin Russell Patsy McGowan decided to apply to the League Keane’s equaliser against Germany in of membership. 1) Ireland If youfor could have a The club was admitthe 2002 World Cup. ted into the senior ranks in May 1969 and played room full of one anypromotion in 1996. Under Chartheir senior game thingfirst what would it against Shamrock Rovers Eventually, they10)won If you were a superhero lie McGeever, they immediately retained their Premier on August that year. Harps lost the game 10-2. be17 (keep it clean)? what would your name be? they held onto until 2000/01. In After All initial my worries, ex-girl-they became a considerable Division status, which Sleeperman. Excellent 1998/99, they had finished fourth in the top flight, missforce during the 70s. They won their first trophy friends. Imagine ability of sleeping for long ing out on Europe by one point. They also made it to the with the Dublin City in 1971/72, then finishing as that – be a great durations of time. Already FAI Cup final but in a marathon decider they eventually runners-up in the league the following season. In atmosphere. have that power!

1974, they captured the FAI Cup as they defeated Saint Patrick’s Athletic 3-1. After fourth and third2) When you were placed league finishes, they were again runnersa kid what did you up in 1975/76 as well as 1977/78. They also fell want to be when you just short in successive League Cup finals in the grew up (apart from a mid-70s.

fell to Bray Wanderers. They lost three successive playoffs before earning promotion under Felix Healy through 11) Ronaldo or Messi? the First Division title in 2004 – the club’s golden jubilee Messi. – finishing a point ahead of UCD. They were relegated in 2005 and have been down since, bar the 2008 season.

12) What was the last film you footballer!) watched? Club Legend: Brendan Bradley A WWE wrestler, like all kinds from Endless Love. Brendan Bradley (born: 7 June 1950) is the all-time record The 1980s saw a gradual decline of the club in that generation! goalscorer in the League of Ireland with 235 goals, 181 of terms of competing with the best in Ireland. An 13) Your favourite ice-cream flavour? which were scored for Finn Harps. Bradley signed for his FAI Cup semi-final in 1981 and a League Cup final 3) What is in your fridge right now? Cookie dough. hometown club Derry City at 16 but only made a handful defeat by Waterford United in 1984/85 were the About 20 eggs, milk and some goneof first-team appearances during his three seasons there, highlights of the decade. By 1985, they had been off vegetables. A trip to Lidl is in order. 14) his If you were stranded on a desert island route to senior football blocked by the form of Danny relegated to the newly-formed First Division. A sewhat three things would you want with you Hale. Bradley moved to Harps for their debut League of ries of managerial changes were made over the 4) If you won the lotto what's the first (apart fromseason a boat!)? Ireland in 1968/69 and he finished as top scorer following few years in an attempt to raise the club, thing you would buy? A mirror, factor 2 on 18. In 1972 carrot – after oil 58 and goalselectric at Harpsrazor – he–moved to but it was not until the early 90s that there were I’d sort Seán Harding out with a new might as well out looking wellless :) than a year later. 82 Lincoln City,go returning to Harps signs of improvement. Patsy McGowan took over set of legs; he passed his best before more goals followed by 1978, with a brief loan spell at as manager for the third time at the start of the date a few yearsWithin back. the following three sea-15) Toronto Tell us the worst joke in you know? He then played for Metros-Croatia between. 1992/93 season. hardTown and hairy on the outside, and(41 goals) Athlone and Sligo Rovers, Harpssoft again sons they twice made it to the playoffs but wereWhat’s 5) What is your favourite holiday deswet on the inside, starts with a C and ends and finally Derry once more, retiring in 1986. in beaten, by Cobh Ramblers and then Athlone Town. tination? a T and has a U and N in it? A C, C, COCONUT! Ibiza. Founded: 1954 | Home Stadium: Finn Park | Honours: FAI Cup: 1 (1974)

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LIMERICK FC vrs CORK CITY

CORK CITY focus CLASSIC MATCH

LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

FOCUS ON CORK CITY

CLASSIC MATCH: MORRIS BREAKS HEARTS OF HARPS 4 November 1979: Shannonsiders conjure up crucial late winner

H W

istory: Cork City were elected to the League of Ireland in 1984, ending a twoyear gap senior rivals footballDundalk on Leeside. minutes, but luckily for Limerick he stumbled over the ball ith of closest at the key moment. Jim McLoughlin’s skill opened up a Their second season saw points them avoid relegation dropping at home to only on goal difference. In1986, they Limerick moved from further opportunity but Kevin Fitzpatrick denied him with Waterford United, a smart save. Shortly afterwards, Fitzpatrick then came to extended their the Flower Lodge to Turner’s Cross andlead theyat eventually top of the table they win secured ended a 19-month wait when for a home when abeat- Limerick’s rescue when he deflected a close-range shot lateRovers win against Finn Caulfield Harps at hit theaMaring Sligo 3-2 – John first hat- by Logan out for a corner. All of those opportunities for ketsday. Field. result reinforced trick that In This October 1987 they wonthe thebeLeague Harps came in the first ten minutes before Limerick startlief that EoinIreland Hand’s teamEamon had all the as ed to come into the game slowly and in the 17th minute Cup under former striker O’Keefe bring league title back they qualities collected to their firstthe piece of national silver- Tony Morris’ glancing header struck the upright. after a gap 20 years, even ware.toInLimerick 1989, they lost theiroffirst FAI Cup final to if on this occasion the quality required treble-winning Derry City. They lost the 1990/91 While conditions in the first half were already terrible intensifying the game was the ability on to the grind out ster rain Senior League sideas Wembley. His progressed, bow came in the the League Championship final daya atfortuhome to with the conditions got even worse at the start of the second half nate late victory. Limerick had already League Cup against Kilkenny City, and from there he Dundalk but they did claim the title in 1993 after when a savage hailstorm did much to dampen the endefeated Bohemians 1-0 with a late never looked back. Over the next 15 seasons, he made an extended playoff series was forced to decide its thusiasm of both the players and the large crowd. Hand’s goal at Cork the Markets and thisand time a club record number of appearances (455) and scored destination, seeing offField Shelbourne Boheteam responded in a more positive manner to the conHarps thought they had done enough a joint-record 129 goals. In November 2013 he was apmians. In 1998, they won the FAI Cup for the first ditions and created the bulk of the opportunities. Hand to secure a hard-fought point, before a pointed first-team manager and led the Leesiders to an time, with further League Cups coming either side. himself was very unlucky not to open the scoring after 50 late rally finally broke the deadlock. impressive second-placed finish in his debut season. The mid-2000s saw them enjoy more success as minutes when he volleyed a Harps clearance into the corthey collected another league (2005) and FAI Cup ner of the net only for his celebrations to be cut short by Limerick supporters attending the Key Player: Gavan Holohan (2007) as well as the Setanta Sports Cup (2008). Off- a linesman flagging for offside against Des Kennedy. Later, match were disappointed beforehand midfielder Gavan Holohan 15 field difficulties led to the birth of Cork City FORAS Hand Kilkenny-born missed a great opportunity to make it 1-0(born: when he to learn that former Ireland internaDecember 1991) played with local club Evergreen and Co-optional in 2010. Having found themselves in the First headed Kennedy’s cross tamely into the hands of McDerJimmy Dunne was not going to then Division, they won that title in 2011 to return to the mott in theDublin Harpsside goal.Cherry Orchard where he showed exmake an expected debut having trained ceptional promise. Holohan got his break with Hull City top flight. After He twodeparted steady seasons up, last all week. Irelandback before inthe 2008. He waswas named theirinYouth Player of the LimYear season they took Dundalk all the way but again fell Finally, deadlock broken the 87th minute. the match. The supporters were also in 2008/09 Mick and was awarded the captaincy for the folshortconfused on the finalwhen day. both teams entered erick right-back Ryan, who had another impressive season. wentwhich on to skipper the squadout to the game,lowing floated over aHecross was mis-kicked of the pitch for the expected 2.45pm kickYouth League title in May 2010. He signed a professionManager: John Caulfield defence into the path of Johnny Walsh. His effort seemed off time but referee John Carpenter contract remained with the Tigers New stayed York-born Caulfield (born: 11 1964) to be al blocked byshortly Logan’safter. handHebut, amid the penalty apinside for a further tenOctober minutes until 2012, during which time he featured on the bench grew to upallow in Roscommon and played Gaelic football peals, the ball broke loose to Morris who stepped in to hit late-coming supporters more a goal was toFollowing prove very important by the end the that first team. trials with Carlisle United for the county’s team. He time to seeminor the action – a attended decision school that in homefor of the season. and Hibernian, he switched to Alfreton Town. The forSummerhill, Sligo and went third-level almost backfired badlyon as to weather con-edumer Republic of Ireland underage international joined cationditions in Athlone. While there, joined Athlone deteriorated badlyhe and the light Limerick United: Fitzpatrick, Ryan, InMullaly, Storan, Drogheda United in August 2013. his first full seaTownfaded in therapidly. mid-1980s. He made his League of IreHand, Walsh,performances Morris, Kennedy, son lastNolan, year his impressive earnedDughim land debut from the bench against Home Farm in O’Mahony, gan. The1985. first He halfsoon wasmoved dominated a move to Cork City and again he has caught the eye October to Corkby forHarps work and who were unlucky not to lead at the despite starting just four league games so far this term. the following year he joined Cork City from Mun-

break. Eddie McGroarty had the first opportunity for the visitors when he was sent clear by Joe Logan after five

Finn Harps: McDermott, Ferry, McDowell, Sheridan, Monagle, Duffy, Logan, C. McLoughlin, J. McLoughlin, Minnock, McGroarty.

Founded: 1984 Home Stadium: Turner’s Cross Honours: League of Ireland Champions: 2 (1992/93, 2005), First Division: 1 (2011), FAI Cup: 2 (1998, 2007), League Cup: 3 (1987/88, 1994/95, 1998/99), Setanta Sports Cup: 1 (2008)

THE BIG INTERVIEW SHANE TRACY

THE BIG INTERVIEW

LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

ocal lad Shane Tracy admits that he could not have foreseen the rise of Limerick until the arrival of Chairman Pat O’Sullivan, with the hometown defender recalling the dark days, just six short years ago, when it appeared that the end of senior football in the city was nigh.

“I REMEMBER WE WERE TOLD GOING AWAY ON HOLIDAY THAT THE CLUB COULD BE GONE WHEN WE COME BACK. THEY WERE HOLDING A LAST-DITCH MEETING AND THEN PAT ENDED UP TURNING UP. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CLUB TAKES OFF, HE WIPES THE DEBT CLEAN AND THE REST IS HISTORY”

Fast forward to now and the club is dreaming of living the glory years again, the era of Hand, O’Mahony and Fitzpatrick that Tracy and those of his generation grew up on stories of. Now, having lost much of that generation of support, the good days appear to be back, with Tracy finding it hard to believe the lift that the return to the Markets Field has given the Shannonsiders. ‘The spiritual home of Limerick football’ promised everything, with the folk of old vowing to return should the famous stadium ever reopen. In June, it finally did, after 31 years. And just five months later, the Blues are the talk of not just the city but the country, and beyond. The first three games back in Garryowen all ended in defeat, the last of that sequence against Galway United in early July seemingly putting the final nail in Limerick’s coffin. There was no way back. The winless start to the season extended to 21 games, into August, before the ghost of Harry Houdini breezed in and brought us on a journey which has provided unforgettable memories. From derailing Cork City’s title challenge at Turner’s Cross – the moment Tracy says it all became real – to the unimaginable drama that unfolded in Sligo last Friday night, the past 13 weeks have captured the imagination of all ages. Rewind almost eight years to when Tracy first arrived at the club and this rise, too, was only a distant dream. “Not at that time, no,” Shane tells Into The Blue,

saying that the club had gone – they had a week to get the money in. We had been away for the midseason break. They were holding a last-ditch meeting and then Pat ended up turning up at the meeting. All of a sudden, the club takes off, he wipes the debt clean and the rest is history. That’s kind of how funny it went. You could see the money he kept putting in; he put more and more every year. It took off then once we got up.

asked if he could have predicted such a journey. “It was only when Pat came in, really. You could see the difference, with the players that were coming in basically every transfer window. The calibre of players rose. As the years

went on we could see it building and building and building. But when I first signed, there was no sign of that. I remember we were told going away on holiday that the club could be gone when we come back because they were in debt. I remember getting a text

“The Markets Field is extremely important to it all. To be honest, I didn’t believe there could be such a big support. I remember speaking to people and saying ‘what is the difference going to be in the Markets Field; why all of a sudden is that going to attract people, why can’t they just come and support us already?’. But for some reason it has. You see the difference in the crowds – there are 2,000 or 2,500 people and everybody is behind you. I think it has been absolutely enormous in the change of support for the club. I had heard the old stories that every Sunday you basically had your dinner and then it was down to the Markets Field, where there would be 10-15,000 people there. There were some incredible games that you would hear about. Even now, we’re still hearing stories from people coming in. You can see that it does mean a lot to peo-

THE BIG INTERVIEW SHANE TRACY

LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

THE BIG INTERVIEW

ple and people can relate to it. It’s great that it’s taking off.” This season had been a nightmare, after Limerick earned just six points from a possible 66. They stared down the barrel of relegation. And Tracy did not see any way out. “No, definitely not. 100 percent not,” he admits. “I didn’t think it would happen, being honest. It has been incredible, from being completely out of it with nobody giving us a chance and then all of a sudden we started winning a couple of games. I remember going down to Turner’s Cross and people didn’t give us a hope down there. I think that was the turning point; when we beat them there we thought ‘hold on a second, we can actually beat the bigger teams and we can go on a bit of a run here’. But then losing at home to Derry and Rovers when we had a chance to get off the bottom gave us a bit of a setback. But the performance against Sligo was excellent again. Realistically, you don’t expect any team down the bottom to go to Rovers or any of the big teams and win – it’s going to be a shock. When we went down to Cork and beat them, it was a shock – it’s similar to Drogheda going to Rovers where obviously Rovers are expected to win. You can never take it for granted; anything can happen on the day in football. But when you come in at half-time, you’re obviously hoping and wishing that Rovers are winning. That wasn’t the case. But we were 2-1 up and we had to concentrate on ourselves and hope that Rovers could get the job done. When we played them last week, you could see the difference; they brought on a couple of players, they had that quality to bring on, and we knew they were a good side. It was a case of worrying about ourselves and that’s what we did. We showed that by getting the next goal in the game to make it 3-1 and then ob-

viously you could hear our supporters getting excited and cheering so you were hoping Rovers were after getting a goal back. Thankfully, it all worked out.”

“THE FIRST THING FOR ME WAS THAT ALL THE SUPPORTERS WERE TOGETHER, WHEREAS BEFORE IT WAS ALL SECTIONS HERE AND THERE. NOW, I THINK EVERYBODY IS BINDING TOGETHER. IT’S A REAL SUPPORT NOW”

Tracy has been stunned by the level of support which the team has received in recent months and is delighted to see a unity there. “The supporters have been unbelievable,” Shane says. “I didn’t think we could have that kind of support, just from the years gone by in Limerick. I’ve been saying to people, I’ve never experienced anything like it since I’ve been here, nearly eight seasons, even winning the First Division. It gave you Goosebumps walking off that pitch after we won against Bohs and Sligo, and games like that. It’s some turnaround. It was great to see, the first thing for me, was that all the supporters were together,

“I HAD HEARD THE OLD STORIES THAT EVERY SUNDAY YOU BASICALLY HAD YOUR DINNER AND THEN IT WAS DOWN TO THE MARKETS FIELD, WHERE THERE WOULD BE 10-15,000 PEOPLE THERE. EVEN NOW, WE’RE STILL HEARING STORIES FROM PEOPLE COMING IN. YOU CAN SEE THAT IT DOES MEAN A LOT TO PEOPLE AND PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO IT”

whereas before it was all sections here and there. Now, I think everybody is binding together. It’s a real support now.” But the 27-year-old knows Limerick must build on this opportunity and ensure they overcome Finn Harps in this week’s playoff final. “We’ve spoken about it ourselves,” he says. “Obviously, you’re going to enjoy last Friday night. It was more a relief for players than a celebration, having been bottom of the table all season and on the brink of being relegated to getting a chance of getting out of it. I think the celebrations and the scenes after the game in Sligo were more of a relief and happiness that we actually have a chance of staying up now. We know that there is another job to do. Anything can happen in these two games. If we can approach this game the way

we approached the Sligo game and the second half of the season, I think we’ll give ourselves a very good chance.” Tracy started out his career as “a speedy winger”, playing schoolboy football for Wembley Rovers before making the big switch to Arsenal as a 15-year-old. “I was playing in the Under-17 National Cup and it was the quarter-finals against Cherry Orchard,” he recalls. “Arsenal had been watching me since the Kennedy Cup anyway but it went a bit quiet then. I scored a hat-trick in that match so they sent a few more scouts over then and my name went around Ireland a small bit. They watched me in a few games and invited me over for a trial. I went on trial to Leicester and Manchester City as well. But the thing was that I couldn’t go over there because I needed to wait another year due to my age. Once I

went to Arsenal on the trial, I was blown away, seeing everyone there – it was an easy decision. My sister was there so I was living with her; she had been there about seven years already. She was my guardian. It was a three-year YTS. They asked me to go over a year early so I said I would, with my sister being there. It was some experience. I was a big Arsenal fan growing up as a child. I remember when I was on trial, walking in and you’re training at the same training ground – the first team train on one side of the building and the youth team are on the other side. There’s only one gym so the first team is beside you basically. I had watched them growing up. You’re seeing players there that you’re watching every week. I never officially got invited to go over and train with the first team. There might be occasions where the team might be away on Champions League duty; there was one time where Van Persie was suspended, Fábregas and Ashley Cole were coming back from injury and Bergkamp didn’t travel, so there was a whole load of them. We did have a couple of sessions with players like that, but it wasn’t a case of Wenger saying to come over to train with us – it was just that we would all join together because there was only about 20 people in. “It was incredible at the start and it was like that basically the whole time

THE BIG INTERVIEW SHANE TRACY

THE BIG INTERVIEW

through. It was a great place to learn football; they constantly want you to play ball all the time and it was a great set-up. On the other side of it then, it was always going to be tough to make it there. I just felt coming towards the end of it that they put a lot of money into bringing in a lot of foreign players, and it just felt like it was a case that it wasn’t going to go any further for me there so I thought it might be best to quit while I was ahead. I came home. When you’re that young as well it’s kind of hard – you don’t really know what the right decision is but at that time I felt it was to come home. Looking back now, in hindsight, what I felt I could have done was maybe stay there and try to go for another club. Coming back, you might get the chance of getting over again, but it’s hard when you get back – you kind of fall off the radar a small bit. That was the only kind of thing I would say about it, staying over there with it. But the experience in around Arsenal was incredible. I wouldn’t have changed it for anything, even though it was such a big club to go over to.” But, would ‘Trace’ advise kids to go over at the age he did or wait and gain experience in the League of Ireland first? “For me, it’s a difficult thing to say,” he admits. “It’s easy for me, because it didn’t work out for me, to turn around and go players should stay here and shouldn’t go over until they get their Leaving Cert – that they shouldn’t go until they’re 18 or 19. But you see other lads that go over at 15 and 16 that do go on and make Premiership or Championship careers. In my situation I came home. With the Academies over there you’re getting a better opportunity to progress. Then you look at other players, like McClean and Coleman, who don’t go over until their 20s and they make it. I think it’s a grey area. What I do feel is more could

LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

be done for players at 15 and 16 going over there. But it has to come from back here. I was going over there and it’s a totally different world. I wouldn’t necessarily say players shouldn’t go but I think they should be prepared more for going over, more than anything, because it’s a totally different environment. Back here you’re playing with your mates having a laugh and then all of a sudden you’re going over there and there are boys willing to stab you in the back. It’s a business. That’s the harsh reality of it. Clubs will get rid of you in a heartbeat and you’re thinking ‘what’s going on’. I wouldn’t say players shouldn’t go, because you get the best development there. But players should be more aware of what it is like and got ready for it. Stephen Bradley did a piece on it recently saying the same thing. He was one who would have had a big contract. He went over

“BACK HERE YOU’RE PLAYING WITH YOUR MATES HAVING A LAUGH AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU’RE GOING OVER THERE AND THERE ARE BOYS WILLING TO STAB YOU IN THE BACK. IT’S A BUSINESS. THAT’S THE HARSH REALITY OF IT”

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and didn’t know what way to take it.” Tracy returned to Ireland and after rediscovering his love for the game signed for Galway in the summer of 2007. “At the time, my head was set on coming home; I was kind of homesick,” he says. “It was a decision I thought was right at the time. I’d say within two weeks of being home, I remember getting up one morning thinking nothing has really changed in the last nearly three years. For me, it was just a case of coming back home and trying to enjoy football again because I hadn’t really enjoyed it for the previous six months. I signed back for Wembley and tried to enjoy it again. After the first couple of months I could see I wanted more than that and luckily enough I got an offer off Galway and got into League of Ireland.” Limerick are certainly glad he did.

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LIMERICK vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK FC FC VRS FINN HARPS

QUIZ LIMERICK FC PLAYER PROFILES

HALF TIME QUIZ - TAKE 15

Conor O’Donnell (Gk)

Seán Harding

Robbie Williams

Test Your Football Knowledge

6 1

Who scored Limerick’s opening goal in Sligo on Friday night? Aidan Price Paul O’Conor

Ian Turner

In the 2011/12 English Premier League, who finished bottom?

In what year did Lionel Messi make his debut for Argentina?

True or false; Messi was sent-off within two minutes of coming on 4 Shane Duggan (C) Dean Clarke for that debut against Hungary?

12 5

What player was sent-off for Southampton in yesterday’s English 14 Premier League clash with Bournemouth?

Vinny Faherty

Also at the weekend, who scored Barcelona’s second goal against Getafe? 6 Darragh Rainsford Seán Russell Tony Whitehead

Where in the world would you find Zimbru Stadium?

Shamrock Rovers midfielder Brandon Miele was on the books of what English Premier League club?

Shane Costelloe Val Feeney Joe Kinnear played with Tottenham Hotspur and which other 9 English club during his senior career?

In what city was the 1989/90 UEFA European Cup final held?

Ross Mann

Where was Republic of Ireland ‘keeper Darren Randolph born? 11 Gavin Dillon Kieran Hanlon 12

Who is Portugal’s most-capped player?

Who scored Dundalk’s opening goal in their 4-0 win over Bray Wanderers last Friday?

Colm Murphy

Paudie O’Connor Seán McSweeney In what year did Finn Harps win the FAI Cup? 14

2715

How many Premier Division goals 29 did Vinny Faherty score for Limerick this season?

Killian Brouder

Jason Hughes

SEÁN MCSWEENEY:

30 Tommy Holland (GK)

PAUDIE O’CONNOR:

JASON HUGHES

Nagle’s Eurospar, Main

Foynes Pharmacy,

O'Sullivan's Centra

The William Street

Street, Bruff.

Main Street, Foynes,

Clarina / Caherconlish.

Barbershop

Answers: 1) Shane Duggan. 2) Wolverhampton Wanderers. 3) 2005. 4) True. 5) Victor Wanyama. 6) Neymar. 7) Moldova. 8) Newcastle United. 9) Brighton & Hove Albion. 10) Vienna. 11) Bray. 12) Luís Figo. 13) Ciarán Kilduff. 14) 1974. 15) 12. Limerick, (069) 65572.

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22 22 30 22

CLASSIC MATCH in photos: limerick vrs galway utd LEAGUE REVIEW

LIMERICK vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK FC FC VRS FINN HARPS

3123

LEAGUE: GYPSIES SNATCH LATE WINNER IN DUBLIN

CLASSIC MATCH: DUGGAN BEGINS MEMORABLE FIGHT-BACK 24 February 1980: Limerick stun Harps with late, late show in Donegal uch like the earlier match during the 1979/80 season, this proved to be after Byrne introduction Limerick come undone a major turning point for Limerick United as they took another giant step towards the title. This incredible comeByrnecoupled struckwith anDundalk’s Murphy. And it was the home side that went close back atason Ballybofey, 84th-minute winner as Lim2-0 defeat by Waterford United at Kilcohan inside the opening minute when Paddy Kavanagh’s erick edged 2-1 points by Park, left Eoinwere Hand’s sideout three clear. right-wing cross found the head of Lopes and his efDalymount LimerickBohemians had alreadyat produced some dramat- fort just cleared the crossbar. But, just as they were on Park last shows Fridayduring night,this where Dean but noth- the opening day of the season, Limerick were undone ic late campaign, Clarke finally broke as histhis. league duck. were dead by a Bohs corner as the deadlock was broken on 12 ing as dramatic Limerick and buried in this match when Hand made a minutes. Lorcan Fitzgerald’s out-swinging corner was brave tactical with just 20 minutes met by Prendergast and the centre-half sent an unBohemians coulddecision have been ahead It should have been so different. The home side left to move to three at the back – replacing stoppable in the opening seconds as Roberto header to theallnet. full-back Mick Ryan with Des Kennedy didn’t have to do much to go into a fourth-minute Lopes flashed a header juststriker over, but Kevin untypically dropped a – and go for all-out attack to get back into the Intolead they did not have to wait long for the thewhen second half,Fitzpatrick Kelly’s pressure on O’Donnell Johnpaid Duffyofffree-kick and for Declan McDowell wasball on match.as Derek Prendergast found opener almost but luckily Russell’s side the the spot to accept the gift and make it 1-0. This the net before the quarter-hour. Limcame back off the upright and was gathered. Then shook were Limerick Harps couldcorner have been Only a couple of minutes later, Limerick’s erick were level early in the second Limerick leveland when Tracy’s was further flicked ahead before they extended their lead in the fightback began. Captain Joe O’Mahony, one half when Shane Tracy’s corner was goalwards by Paul O’Conor and cleared off the line15th by minute. However, Ferry’s corner was not properly and the defensive great ball into Fitzgerald. notofdealt with and trio, the played ball fella kindPrendergast could notcleared complete Logan smashed home great right-footed effort theClarke Harpsinbox was dummied by Kennedy theJoe ly to thethat six-yard box and he clearance and Clarke wasaon hand to finally open the edge of the box. allowing fall kindly into the path of his from pounced forthe hisball firsttoPremier Division league account from close range. Limerick were Ger Duggan who shot to the net. After 79 mingoal of the season. Having come alive lifted by that but after Bohs introduced Byrne for the utes, Kennedy was the creator when he played Limerick showed signs of their eventual comeback late on, Bohs eventually found a way final quarter-hour they began to create real chances. when Morris brilliantly hooked a pass from Walsh a deft through-ball for John Delamere who through when substitute Byrne turned Having seen his header denied by Darragh Rainsford’s went through on goal. His run was brought over McDermott’s head only to the see the ball come smartly in the box and fired low below clearance, was Evans thatDelamere threatened as he back offitthe bar.again The in-rushing somehow to an abrupt end by Harps ‘keeper Charlie Conor O’Donnell, as the Gypsies conbroke in on the left of the box but he was denied misjudged the rebound and found himself inwell the McDermott but after they collided the ball tinued their free impressive thesquared it by O’Donnell. Griffinforlorn was left clear on back of the Then net making appeals thatgoal the but ball squirmed for Tony start Morristowho season. former Dundalk man firedinover, pressure crossed the line when, fact, under the backspin on for Kennedy who had time and space to pick thehad from Robbie Williams. the ball had taken it away from the goal. In the sechis spot and make it 2-2. Manager Martin Russell made one ond half, before Hand’s tactical change, Harps had change to the team were that lined out in Bohs did grabfrom a winner six minutes from time chances McGroarty and McElwaine but By now, Limerick rampant. They came Butfurther Sligo the previous weekend and it was when an Evans cross fell to Byrne and he remained close to snatching the lead after 85 minutes Fitzpatrick made up for his early error with some enforced as versatile midfielder to saves. turn and strike a low shot beyond O’Donnell. when Tony Meaney’s cross wasSeán nodded down coolfine Russell missed out through illness and Bohs could have extended their winning margin but by Kennedy to Morris who forced McDermott wasinto replaced by save. Darragh Rainsford. fired McDermott, wide and theFerry, ‘keeper denied Fitzgerald Finn Harps: McDowell, Sheridan, a fantastic However, Limerick were Kavanagh Bohemians, their Johnny part, showed on, but byLogan, then the Dubliners Duffy, had done enough. McElwaine, McCool, Mcnot to be for denied. Walsh put Hand lateMonagle, three changes from their draw at Groarty, Minnock. clear on the right wing. Hand cut into the box home CorkhisCity Holiday and to aimed shotonatBank the far post but his ef- Limerick: Conor O’Donnell, Seán Harding (Jason Hughes 44), PauUnited: Fitzpatrick, O’Connor, Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy, Nolan, Ian Turner,Storan, Shane Monday, as Adam Evans, Dean fort was going wide until theKelly unfortunate die Limerick O’Mahony, Ryan, Hand, Meaney, Morris,(KierDeFerry deflected into his own net Duggan ©, Paul O’Conor, Darragh Rainsford,Walsh, Vinny Faherty andMick Dave Mulcahy camethe in ball to replace lamere, Duggan. Subs: Kennedy for Ryan. for Buckley, a dramatic last-gasp winner for Limerick. an Hanlon 80), Dean Clarke. Keith Mark Griffin and Anto

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MARKETS FIELD: WINNING HEARTS AGAIN in photos: MSCLIMERICK FINAL 2015

LIMERICK vrs CORK CITY LIMERICK FC FC VRS FINN HARPS

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MARKETS FIELD: LIMERICK WINNING HEARTS AGAIN Club “a staple in Limerick society”, says Andrew Cunneen

n my daily commute to town, I’d always stop by Mulgrave Street to peek in the gate to catch a glimpse at the venue my father spoke so well of for so many years. I couldn’t possible comprehend what exactly he meant when he went into detail about the atmosphere. The second I walked into the ground on opening day, I could feel it. I think the whole city now feels it too.

The green and white of Limerick GAA often colours in O’Connell Street during the summer. The red of Munster Rugby has nearly become a secondary city colour at this rate. But for years, the disconnect between Limerick and its senior soccer representative has been notable. So many meetings and discussions have taken place to try and decipher just why the club couldn’t reach the heights all the PowerPoint presentations and focus groups suggested it could. The average age of a supporter attending games around 2007 was probably in the mid-twenties. The launch of the ‘37’ brand was well promoted and it was fashionable for a while. But given the nature of people in their late teens/early twenties, they’re busy and their interests change by the day. The club needed to connect to its history – to the people that saw Limerick FC during its peak years so they could share memories and relate to the modern setup. Then it clicked it with me. My father is 67 years of age. When he speaks about Limerick, he speaks about the Markets Field. Forget the venue it-

self, but think about the concept of a home and how it encapsulates all the emotions, feelings and good times you had there. The nomadic nature of this club cost itself. That’s not their fault. Now, they’re settled. They’re ready to build new memories as well as honouring the old ones. The Football Club is being spoken about in the same breath as the GAA, the rugby and the Premiership. The transformation on the pitch has been incredible, but it goes hand-in-hand with the levels of enthusiasm that come from the stands. This 12th man notion is accurate, but goodwill lasts forever once it’s treated fairly. At the moment, Martin Russell and his players are showing commitment and flair. This city responds to that. As a Sporting Limerick flag hangs to the right of the North Stand, the events unfolding in front of it are becoming a part of exactly what the logo says – sporting Limerick. No longer do we have a city that supports a rugby team, a GAA team and a small niche that follow senior soccer. Now the club has cemented itself in the hearts of the public once again. It’s not an uphill battle anymore, nor is it a mammoth struggle to entice people in the gate. It’s a staple in Limerick society. Three decades of pain. I’m not sure that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it does make the heart grow stronger.

CHAMPION

PA R K ’ S YA R D S T. PAT R I C K ’ S ROA D LIMERICK

Telephone: 061 313 977 Mobile: 087 241 4596

MEMORIES: ROLLERCOASTER 2015

LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

MEMORIES: THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF ROLLERCOASTER 2015 Andrew Cunneen looks back on a season that will live forever BEST (TEAM) PERFORMANCE: I think this will probably go to the St. Pat’s performance at home. Their form since hasn’t covered them in glory, but they’re a group of very talented players. Limerick only conceded to a wonder goal that night – they broke with pace and won the midfield battle for 90 minutes against a PFAI Team of the Year member in James Chambers. BEST (PLAYER) PERFORMANCE: Shane Duggan in Sligo on Friday. I’ve watched the game back about ten times trying to dissect it and he’s everywhere. This could have easily gone to Paul O’Conor for his performance against Bohs in the 4-3 win, but on a night where Limerick really needed a leader, their captain shone through with a great strike and a work-rate like none I’ve ever seen before. WORST TEAM PERFORMANCE: I actually missed the season opener at home to Bohs and most tell me that’s a shooin for this award. Since I can’t comment, I’ll go with the 4-2 loss at home to Galway. Granted they had a stronger side out that day than they had for the remainder of the season, but Limerick were never at the races. To make it worse, the hurlers lost in Thurles too. Dark weekend. BEST GOAL: Seán Russell’s against Bohs.

I’m not even humouring other contenders. BEST MOMENT: I’m hoping it’s yet to come, but seeing the players and the fans together at the end of the Sligo game was quite something. The players had been slated (by me a few times) throughout the season and the core support in Sligo had stuck with them throughout the season. To see them both come out the other end like that is the reason people love sport. WORST MOMENT: I think the loss to Derry was up there. This wasn’t because it was particularly poor on the pitch, but probably due to the fact it was the biggest crowd of the year with a chance to get off the bottom. Now, because of other results that night, I’m not sure it was completely over for Limerick in people’s minds – but a lot of people expected them to win that game.

der.

BEST OPPOSITION (TEAM) PERFORMANCE: Dundalk a few weeks ago. Limerick put in a defensive performance for the ages for 76 minutes and still couldn’t deal with the relentless pressure that the best team I’ve ever seen play in this league put them un-

BEST OPPOSITION (PLAYER) PERFORMANCE: Conor McCormack (Derry City). I’ve given players higher grades in the Sun, but thinking back, McCormack could not have done his job any better than he did. He dictated tempo and won the game in front of a partisan home crowd. Nerves of steel.

Limerick FC wish to thank all of our sponsors during the 2015 season. Your continued support is greatly appreciated by all and we look forward to building on our relationship in the coming months and years. We are now inviting sponsorship for the 2016 season. If interested, call Eddie on 085-2792373.

TURNING POINT: Turner’s Cross. You don’t go there and win. You just don’t. Only Dundalk had won there at that point in the last two years. FUNNIEST MOMENT: Pat walking into the dressing-room post-Sligo. We can’t print what he said for obvious reasons.

Limerick FC - Your Players, Your City, Your Home

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PAUL INTERVIEW MSC O’CONOR FINAL REPORT

MSC FINAL: TRACY’S LATE Andrew Cunneen speaksSEALS to Paul O’ConorTROPHY about life by the Shannon PENALTY

INTERVIEW: “IT’S A PLACE I’VE COME TO ENJOY” – O’CONOR

e’re all well used to life in Limer- after brave display O’Leary finally beaten

ick. If you’re not in your local for a few pints craving a Chicken Hut or a Donkey Ford’s, you’re probably not breathing. But Limerick have a number hane Tracy’s 90th-minute by the feet of the ‘keeper. of players that secured had to grow used to life on penalty Limerick Shannonside. OneMunster of those isSenior midfielder Before Paul the break, there were further chances as their 13th O’Conor. O’Conor spent seasons at the Bit saw a shot gathered following a corner and Cup as they deservedly overHughes Red and at United1-0 Park the came O’Avondale United at before Cloun-joiningCostelloe’s ambitious effort from range just missed Shannonsiders, and took time to compare the reask, Askeaton last Sunday afternoon. the top corner. Then Robbie Williams saw a shot lifestyles of playing for all three. blocked in the box after an Ian Turner corner. It The first shot in anger came inside five was Turner who then had the next effort at beating Sligo players live in Riverstown – a grouped minutes when Tracy found space and O’Leary as he stood up to strike a free-kick from the setup in a small village about from accommodation 25-yards he drove narrowly over left angle of the area but the ‘keeper again proved 20 kilometres from Sligo town centre. O’Conor the bar. Then a fine right-wing cross from equal to the task, getting down brilliantly to push it enjoyed life there – making 28 league appearShane Costelloe found the head of Kierbehind. Either side of the hour, Avondale went close. ancesbut forhe Rovers; scoring five goals in the an Hanlon could not get enough First, Simon Holland had a shot blocked just wide and process. They finished fifth. It wasn’t all rosy, power on it to direct it goalwards. Mothen from a corner they had a header cleared off the though. ments later, the striker did get power line by Hughes. at Drogheda. Living in Dublin, the trip to Drogheda behind a shot but Daniel O’Leary did He explained: “Sligo would have been very wasn’t a trek nor was it somewhere he was unfamilwell to push it away. Then the Avondale On 68 minutes, Avondale created another big chance intense probably because the whole town is iar with. That was convenient, but didn’t allow for No1 produced heroics to get down and as Holland foundinteraction Caulfield in space in the box but based around the football club. Everybody as much with the surroundings given the palm is clear another Tracy effort dis-about as he pulled produced either talking about it, from knows it or easethe of atrigger returnTony trip Whitehead home before and aftera games tance.knows At theyou, other end,very theintense. visitors They had love brilliant to denyThe him.28-year-old On 78 minutes, so it’s their block and training. had aMcSweebizarre year at their first shot on 14 minutes when Karl ney’s perfect pass was into the path of football. It’s a place where, if you’re winning, United, where, despite scoring Mann a goal and in anheFAI Cup Caulfield from aSometimes, promburst in on right of the boxSligo only -to denied by Cup fitheyfired treatwildly you over brilliantly. when finalthe - ironically against hebe lost all three ising position on the edge of the box. O’Leary. From Tracy’s corner, Mann headed wide. you’re losing, it can be a tough place to be. I nals he played in that year. O’Conor played 30 league On 18found minutes, Costelloe provided an-lads found Then a pinpoint Costelloe wasseason. onto the that last year, and I think the games forcross Mickfrom Cooke in the 2013 otheritsuperb cross, head of Paul O’Conor but from close in he put it off this year too. this time for Seán McSweeney who saw his header find target. That looked to be the last have chance of normal He said: “Drogheda would been a bit different. the side-netting. the here. time, right the when Mann was “You’re moreMidway involvedthrough in the town At until There areon a lot of 90 players travelling fromtaken Dublin. That half, Hanlon got inyou’re behind for the hosts down in was the box stoodI Tracy to coolly Riverstown, about half-an-hour away. the and caseupwhen was there. Youconvert wouldn’t get but he delayed his shot as Limerick found a way past You’re isolated andwhich there’sallowed nothing around thatfinally kind of community vibeO’Leary. about it, but that year Avondale clear. Thendon’t a McSweeney you. to When things go well, you get in- was a mixed year. We got to three Cup finals, but your own andHughes you have cross side eventually fell head to Jason in too much didn’t win any. EvenCostelloe, still, it wasTony a year I reLimerick:obviously Conor O’Donnell, Shane timethe to think. It’s just you aontouch your own.Whitehead, It’s ally enjoyed.” Nobody ©, knows whatTracy, the future the box, midfielder taking Robbie Williams Shane Ross holds, hard to deal with sometimes but here there’s but O’Conor knows what he’d like for next before firing a low effort that O’Leary Mann, Jason Hughes, Val Feeney (Paul O’Conor 63),season. so much around He(Darragh said: “I’dRainsford love to stay. took aMcSweeney, little while getting somehow gotmore down to you. turn You’re away.so close IantoTurner 63),It Seán town so you can get out and clear your head.” used to it, as it does – but it’s a place come to Then Tracy again shot over, as Limerick Kieran Hanlon. Goal: S Tracy (90 pen). Unused I’ve Subs: enjoy a lot. a veryO’Connor, good dressing-room, made all of the running. On 25 minutes, Tommy Holland (GK),It’sPaudie Shane Dug- but so The year before signing for Sligo, O’Conor was much rides on if we stay up.” McSweeney and Ross Mann combined gan, Vinny Faherty, Colm Murphy. to set up Hanlon but his strike was saved

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MATCH REPORT: SLIGOvrs ROVERS 2-3 LIMERICK in photos: limerick BOHEMIAN FC

LEAGUE: LIMERICK NET PLAYOFF PLACE AFTER FRIDAY FRIGHTS Blues sneak into this week’s playoff after crazy night in Sligo

inny Faherty’s 12th league goal of the season was the moment that fired Limerick into this week’s SSE Airtricity League Promotion / Relegation playoff final as they defeated Sligo Rovers 3-2 at The Showgrounds on a night of Friday frights.

The Superblues made a lightning start when Seán Russell’s short corner was played to Ian Turner who laid it into the path of captain Shane Duggan and his beautiful strike from just outside the ‘D’ found the bottom corner. On the quarter-hour, Limerick went close to a second when Turner’s free-kick from the left angle of the box went past Faherty and ‘keeper Richard Brush did well to get down and push it away. Within seconds, Sligo were awarded a penalty when Patrick Kanyuka clumsily challenged Dinny Corcoran in the box, but the former Bohemians man stood up and saw his low spot-kick stopped and held by Freddy Hall. At the same time, there were two goals in two minutes at Tallaght Stadium as Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda United exchanged goals, heightening tension among the Limerick support. Then Russell’s strike from 20-yards was pushed behind by Brush. On 27 minutes, Limerick doubled their advantage when Shane Tracy’s dipping strike came back off the bar but following in was Paul O’Conor who had two attempts and he made no mistake with the second from close in. Drogheda then took the lead once again in Dublin, a result which

would have sent Limerick down. On 39 minutes, Hall produced wonders to turn Sander Puri’s strike around the post. But with the very last kick of the half, just into the sole minute of injury-time, Puri did score after the ball fell kindly to him at the back and from 12-yards he placed the ball in the bottom corner. Early in the second half, Keith Ward curled a 25-yard free-kick just past the upright, before word filtered through that Rovers had equalised for a second time, from the spot. Two minutes later, it got better for Limerick when Faherty restored their two-goal cushion with a superb close-range finish. The tension never left the air as eyes remained focussed on Tallaght, and eventually Rovers hit the front for the first time on 75 minutes, extending that advantage to 4-2 eight minutes later. In between those goals, Limerick survived a huge scare as they cleared off the line following a dangerous corner, and with four minutes remaining Hall produced another crucial save to deny David Cawley. Still, there was time for late, late drama as Sligo reduced the score to 3-2 through substitute Ruairí Keating in the first minute of the three added, and right at the death they almost equalised but Danny Ledwith’s strike after a deep ball into the box flew wide. Limerick saw out the remaining minute comfortably and there were unforgettable scenes of joy at the final whistle with players and supporters. Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush, Raffaele Cretaro, Alan Keane, Gavin Peers ©, Danny Ledwith, David Cawley, Keith Ward (Gary Armstrong 68), Jennison Myrie-Williams, Sander Puri, Morten Nielsen (Anthony Elding 68), Dinny Corcoran (Ruairí Keating 68). Unused Subs: Ryan Coulter (GK), Jake Dykes, Ross Taheny. Limerick: Freddy Hall, Shaun Kelly, Patrick Kanyuka, Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy, Shane Duggan ©, Ian Turner, Paul O’Conor, Seán Russell, Dean Clarke (Cyril Guedjé 88), Vinny Faherty (Ross Mann 83). Unused Subs: Tommy Holland (GK), Darragh Rainsford, Tony Whitehead, Prince Agyemang, Paudie O’Connor. Referee: Tom Connolly. Attendance: 1,652 (Official).

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UNDER-11 MATCHDAY CLASSICREport MATCH SQUADS MATCHDAY SQUADS

IMERICK FC C O R K CSEASON ITY FC U11s: LLIMERICK’S ENDS WITH CUP EXIT LIMERICK FC MANAGER: MANAGER: MARTIN RUSSELL MARTIN RUSSELL

FINN HARPS

MANAGER: MANAGER: JOHN CAULFIELD OLLIE HORGAN

1 Conor O’Donnellwith (GK) 1 Mark McNulty (GK)& “progress” Hogan delighted Freddy Hall (GK) 34 “hard Ciaránwork” Gallagher (GK)

2 Damien Seán Harding John Kavanagh Shaun Kelly 22 McNulty 3 Thomas RobbieWilliams Williams 3 Alan Bennett Robbie McMonagle PaulAidan O’Conor Crossan 4 Matt Price 65 Johnny Dunleavy (Captain) imerick were knocked out Limerick were chasing a goal to try to get back into Ian Turner 7 Keith Cowan 5 Paul O’Conor 6 Darren Dennehy of the Under-11 Division Shane Duggan (C) 8 the game Packieand Mailey the home side counterattacked and 6 Ian Turner 97 DanMcNamee Murray One Cup followingDean a 3-0 Clarke descoredTony to make certain of their progress to the decid7 Michael Shane Duggan (C) 108 Colin Healy Vinny Faherty Funston feat by Shannon Town at Corrib Drive er. But manager Robert Hogan was not too downbeat Shane Raymond Foy Dean Tracy Clarke 119 Gavan Holohan last Monday evening, as they exited at after8 the result, having been delighted with the “hard Darragh Rainsford 12 Kieran McDaid 9 10 Vinny Faherty John O'Flynn the semi-final stage. Seán Russell 14 work”Bjdisplayed Banda in training all season and the “prog10 11 Shane Tracy Kieran Djilali Tony Whitehead 15 ress” made Wilfried by Tagbo his players. 11 Ciarán 12 Darragh Rainsford Ross Coll Gaynor Agyemang 16 On their two previous Prince meetings, the Costelloe 17 McHugh 14 Kevin 14 “Obviously, Seán Russell Kevin O'Briendisappointed (GK) first ended in a walkoverShane in favour of we’re to be knocked out,” Val Feeney 18 Gareth Harkin 15 15 Tony Whitehead Kevin O'Connor Shannon in early SeptemberRoss Mann 19 Hogan told Into The Blue. “I’m disappointed Conor Keddy 16 17 Shane Costelloe Danny Morrissey and the second was a scorefor Lee the McCarron kids, but they’ll Ali Abass (GK) 20 Tommy (GK) learn from this and 17 18 Val Feeney Alan Smith (GK) Josh Mailey less draw in late January Colm Murphy 23 grow. I asked them after the game if they O’Connor Doherty 18 Gareth 19 Mann 24 Michael McSweeney that was dominatedPaudie Ross played well and they all thought that Seán McSweeney 25 Nathan Boyle 19 21 Gavin Dillon Karl Sheppard by Limerick who were they did. That’s progress; they underConor Maguire 26 Robert Waters 20 Billy Dennehy 22 Kieran Hanlon kept at bay by a bril- Killian Brouder 27 Ata Ozbaystand growth from a footballing point 21 23 Colm Murphy LiamHassett Miller liant showing from the of view and they’re a lot better now Lee-J Lynch 28 Oisín Tommy Holland (GK) 30 McMenamin 22 Oisín 24 Paudie O’Connor Mark O'Sullivan Shannon ‘keeper. This than they were at the start of the seaKanyuka 32 25 Rob Lehane 25 last-four tie started in Patrick Seán McSweeney son. Cyril Guedjé 33 the same vein as the Conor 27 Garry Buckley Maguire 26 last encounter ended, Killian Brouder 27 “They put in a lot of hard work in train30 Josh O'Shea with Limerick putting the Jason Hughes 29 ing throughout the season and you can 37 Liam Kearney home team under pressure see it in matches. They are putting little patTommy Holland (GK) 30 1: of Dermot Broughton from the kick-off andReferee: creatingRob a Rogers | Assistant terns play together and when it comes off it’s Assistant 2: Wayne McDonnell | Fourth Official: Neil Doyle

number of chances.

a joy to behold. This season might be over for us now but with three1:Under-9s and three Under-10s playing OFFICIALS: Referee: Neil Doyle | Assistant Mark Gavin Limerick were on top for most of the against Shannon there is Assistant 2: Ralph Pieper | Fourth Official: Rob Hennesseydefinitely a lot of positives first half, playing some brilliant passto take. They will take this experience into their reing football, but they went into the maining games and draw from it. We’ll go again next break a goal down when a defensive season and keep on growing, progressing and getting SEPT, SAT OCT, FRI OCT, SAT OCT, FRI OCT, FRI mix-up ended with the ball in the net better.” after a goalmouth scramble. In the Limerick v Limerick v endedLimerick v in mid-table Sligo Rinv Division second half, vShannonGalway and Limerick Limerick the season MAY, SATURDAY MAY, FRIDAY JUNE, FRIDAY JUNE, FRIDAY JUNE, FRIDAY Dundalk Limerick Derry City Shamrock R Limerick both created opportunities but it was One, accumulating 21 points through six wins and 0-2 three draws in0-2 2-3scorer was Jake the1-3 hosts that scored1-3again after a 14 outings. Their top Longford Town, Bray Wanderers, Drogheda Utd, St. Patrick's Ath Dundalk, great save from Eugene Hurley fell to O’Riordan on 12, followed by Leon Rush (6, including Strokestown, Carlisle Grounds, Markets Field Richmond Park, Oriel Park their forward to finish from 12-yards. one in the Cup), Jack Koyce (3), Scott Grant and Kyle SSE SSE SSE SSE SSE 7.30pm 7.45pm 6.30pm 7.45pm 6.30pm Foley (both one). AIRTRICITY AIRTRICITY AIRTRICITY AIRTRICITY AIRTRICITY Shannon claimed their third when LEAGUE LEAGUE LEAGUE LEAGUE LEAGUE

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SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

FAI CUP SECOND ROUND TIE

SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

Without the fans, who are they playing for? #FanPoweredFootball

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PLAYER PROFILES 42 46 PLAYER PROFILES 34 34

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LIMERICK FC VRS BRAY WANDERERS LIMERICK FC VRS FINN HARPS

in Photos: under-19S

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LIMERICK FC SUPPORTER? Conor O’Donnell (GK) Freddy Hall (GK)

Seán Harding Shaun Kelly

Robbie Williams Robbie Williams

Aidan Price Patrick Kanyuka

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Paul O’Conor Paul O’Conor

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JOIN THE CLUB The Official Supporters Club

Ian Turner Ian Turner

Shane Duggan (c) Shane Duggan (C)

Dean Clarke Dean Clarke

Vinny Faherty Vinny Faherty

Shane Tracy Shane Tracy

Darragh Rainsford Darragh Rainsford

Seán Russell Seán Russell

Tony Whitehead Tony Whitehead

Shane Costelloe Shane Costelloe

Val Feeney Val Feeney

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Ross Mann

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Kieran Hanlon

Cyril Guedjé

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Colm Murphy

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Paudie O’Connor

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Seán McSweeney

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The Limerick FC Official Supporters’ Club, in association with Limerick FC, are running two busses to the second leg of this week’s SSE Airtricity League / Relegation Playoff Final, at Finn Park on€20 Friday night. Membership: AdultsPromotion €10, OAPs/Students/U16s €5, Family One bus is for our members who canMembership travel free to Donegal. second busNow is for non-members, the cost of which is PacksThe Available €10 for adults and €5 for kids, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Find us on Facebook: Limerick FC Official Supporters Club

To book or for more information, please call Steve Taylor on 087-9396179. If interested, please book as soon as possible.

Conor Maguire

SHANE DUGGAN: Sponsored by: SHANE DUGGAN: Nagle’s Eurospar, Sponsored by: Bruff Mainstreet Nagle’s Eurospar, Mainstreet Bruff

Killian Brouder

Jason Hughes

Lee-J Lynch

Tommy Holland

Tommy Holland (GK)

Martin Russell

www.limerickfc.ie/supportersclub The Official Supporters’ Club wish Visit: to thank our members, the Blue Army Loyalty Club, the Independent Supporters’ Club and all of our supporters for their magnificent backing of the team this season through thick and thin. You really have been Email: supportersclub@limerickfc.ie | Phone: 1862678 the 12th man! Best of luck to Martin and the players as we look to complete 087 a memorable season this week.

Martin Russell

JASON HUGHES SEÁN MCSWEENEY PAUDIE O”CONNOR Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Sponsored by: LEE-J LYNCH SEÁNFoynes MCSWEENEY PAUDIE O”CONNOR Photography: Conor Wyse (www.conorwyse.ie) The William Street Pharmacy O’Sullican’s Centra Sponsored by:468663 Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Barbershop (061) (069) 65572 Clarina/Caherconlish The William Street Foynes Pharmacy O’Sullican’s Centra Barbershop (061) 468663 (069) 65572 Clarina/Caherconlish

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