Into The Blue: Limerick v Saint Patrick's Athletic - 28 March 2015

BLUE into the

LIMERICK FC vrs ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

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Limerick’s Official Matchday Magazine

L I M E R I C K v r s S T. P AT R I C K ’ S AT H L E T I C SSE AIRTRICITY PREMIER LEAGUE. J A C K M A N P A R K . S A T U R D AY 2 8 T H MARCH 2015, 6:30PM. F i r s t -Te a m 2 0 1 5 P r o g r a m m e Collection, Issue 3.

CLASSIC OF ‘92 League Cup Success Remembered

TURNING THE FROM THE LEE TIDE TO THE SHANNON greenhegroupt

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LIMERICK FC vrs ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

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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.

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.

Contents:

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• 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.

• 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.

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• 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.

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H y S t | T : 061 314238 C d m t M t & the team aft the game!

• 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.

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• 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-

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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 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 No2 Upper William Street Tel: 061-468663 / E-mail info@thewilliamstreetbarbershop.com thewilliamstreetbarbershop.com

office. Persons entering the ground are advised to retain their ticket stub as this may be required to be produced at a later date.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT - TONY KELLEHER

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MANAGER'S OFFICE Manager Martin Russell reflects on what could have been in the week past and looks forward to the coming challenges against Saint Patrick's Athletic and Dundalk.

HOMETOWN THOUGHTS Midfielder Jason Hughes reveals how he has settled back into life at the club and talks about the team's focus on finding a first win.

CLASSIC MATCH We go back in time to trace the story of Limerick's 1992 League Cup success over tonight's opponents Saint Patrick's Athletic.

TURNING THE TIDE Ian Turner talks about his career path which last year saw him switch the divide from Leeside to Shannonside.

TITLE TILT Under-19 manager Tommy Barrett looks ahead to their final league game against Cobh Ramblers which could dramatically seal the Southern Elite Division title.

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MANAGER'S OFFICE

MANAGER’S OFFICE

“IT’S A TIGHT, TIGHT LEAGUE AND RESULTS ARE VERY HARD-EARNED. IT IS GOING TO BE THE CASE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON THAT YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO PLAY WELL TO GET THEM”

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ood evening and welcome back to Jackman Park for this evening’s visit of Saint Patrick’s Athletic. We welcome Liam Buckley, the players, backroom team, supporters and officials of St. Pat’s who have made the trip to Limerick today. We come into the game on the back of Tuesday’s draw in Drogheda where we conceded a late goal.

It was one that got away from us, I felt. We played very well in the first half, took the lead and were solid enough. I just think in the second half we didn’t move Drogheda about with the extra man as we should have done and let them into the game a little bit.

They took advantage of that. I was disappointed not to get the three points.

But it’s one of those things; with an away win at stake some of the lads don’t want to make mistakes and we kept it too tight.

When you have the ball you make full width of the pitch, you make good decisions and move them, and chances come. We just didn’t do that well

enough.

That was the disappointing factor of the second half. They always had a chance with one goal and that’s what it turned out to be. The lads maybe realised the three points were a valuable gain and had the approach of ‘what we have we’ll try to hold’. As I’ve said, I think we should have used the ball a lot better in the second half and moved it about a lot better, and even go to try to win by more possibly as opposed to just being happy to be digging in.

I think we have the second youngest average age in the league. I think Bray are the only ones that are younger. So with that comes a certain amount of gaining experience to see out games, to move opposition about and how to handle things. But they are getting that experience and the right ones will move forward. That’s the demands of the league. But there were some good individual performances on Tuesday and collectively I thought we were good in the first half. Drogheda have

“I THINK WE HAVE THE SECOND YOUNGEST AVERAGE AGE IN THE LEAGUE. SO WITH THAT COMES A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF GAINING EXPERIENCE TO SEE OUT GAMES”

a few points on the board so to get an away point was not the worst result in the world. But we’re always looking for better.

to get them. All we can do now is try to learn from those games, look forward to the next one and try to set new standards as we go on.

The young players are getting some very, very valuable experience, knowing what it takes to deal with seasoned forwards, which Drogheda had in Daryl Kavanagh. We want those lads to keep on improving and setting new standards for themselves in their performances. Such is the make-up of the group that there are chances there for all the young players and when they get them they need to be prepared to do themselves justice. They have all shown qualities and they have all shown areas where they can keep on improving. We’ll move on to tonight’s game and try to do better again. There is a batch of teams in and around us at the moment that a couple of wins could see you climb up the table quite significantly.

We face St. Pat’s and Dundalk over the coming week. This is why if anyone is still in the country playing football you want to be playing against the best sides and you want to see how well you can do against the best sides. It’s a great challenge coming up.

Again, we know tonight we will have to be very good to get anything from the game. But we intend to be that and I’ll be encouraging the lads to do that.

Looking back on last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Longford Town, on another night we could have won it but we also could have lost it. It was one of those games where both sides were having a right go and chances were there. A point was perhaps a fair result. It probably hurts you more you haven’t won it when you’ve been in the lead twice.

But Longford only came in on the back of two narrow defeats against the top sides. There are no pushovers in this league.

With two points from those two games, you always say it could have been more or it could have been worse. It’s a tight, tight league and results are very hard-earned. It is going to be the case throughout the season that you’re going to have to play well

I was at St. Pat’s last season as a coach and I previously played for them so I know the club in terms of the people there and how successful they’ve been over the last number of years.

We know the current squad that they have is capable of being many people’s favourites to win the league this year. They’ll be looking to win as many games as possible if they want to win the league, which they’re intent on doing. We know it’s a great challenge that we’ve got in store but if we give it our best shot it’s one that we can do well in and I’m looking forward to it.

Thanks for your support and enjoy the game, Martin Russell.

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INSIDE THE DRESSING-ROOM : JASON HUGHES

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INSIDE THE DRESSING-ROOM

ood evening and welcome back to Jackman Park for our SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match against Saint Patrick’s Athletic. We come into tonight’s match on the back of two draws and hopefully we can get that first win on the board soon. That is what we will be aiming for here but we obviously know we are facing a very difficult test against one of the top teams in the country.

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As I said after re-signing for the club last week, I’m delighted to be back here and I’ve settled in very well with the lads. I obviously missed pre-season but I got straight back into things.

In football, you kind of have to prove yourself first in training to the lads and I think when you do that you’re fine.

Everyone is sound. It’s quite a young squad this year but the young players have done well. You look at the likes of Paudie O’Connor at just 17. I think he has a lot to offer in this league. He is playing alongside Aidan Price who has been around and won leagues.

That is only good for him because he will learn a lot from him. Martin rested Paudie on Tuesday in Drogheda so I think that is good as well, that Martin isn’t overplaying him and easing him into it slowly but surely. I think Paudie has a good career ahead of him.

Looking back at last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Longford Town, I thought the team worked really hard. Both teams were looking for the three points. Obviously, taking the lead twice and only coming away with a draw wasn’t great, but we took the point and we were hoping to push on from there in Drogheda. From a personal point of view, last Saturday was my first competitive game since

ward to the game tonight.

INSIDE THE DRESSING-ROOM WITH OUR HOMETOWN MIDFIELDER

In this league, any team can beat any team. You have the likes of Dundalk, St. Pat’s and the top teams that people will look and say are going to push for the league. But any team is capable of taking points from any game. That is just the way this league is. It’s on the day. You look back on our three games against St. Pat’s last year and we did really well against them, drawing the first one and then beating them twice.

I’m not saying the teams down around us bring us down to their level but it is certainly more of a scrappy game than a footballing game. I think playing the likes of St. Pat’s will suit us better as they want to play football. The pitches are a factor as well at the moment.

With the way Martin wants us to play, I think if the pitches are better then we can pass it more, and get better and stronger.

“NORMALLY, YOU WOULD FEEL OKAY WITH A POINT AWAY FROM HOME BUT AFTER THE GAME IT REALLY FELT LIKE WE LOST. BUT WE JUST HAVE TO DUST OURSELVES OFF NOW AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE GAME TONIGHT”

last August, but I didn’t really feel too tired during the game. I was buzzing to be back. I was happy. It was only after the game that I felt a small bit tight, but that was to be expected. I have been training really hard and trying to get my sharpness back up. I was happy enough overall with how I did.

In Drogheda on Tuesday, the result was a downer because it would have been a massive three points. I think we should have taken advantage of the

“YOU LOOK AT THE LIKES OF PAUDIE O’CONNOR AT JUST 17. I THINK HE HAS A LOT TO OFFER IN THIS LEAGUE. HE IS PLAYING ALONGSIDE AIDAN PRICE WHO HAS BEEN AROUND AND WON LEAGUES. THAT IS ONLY GOOD FOR HIM BECAUSE HE WILL LEARN A LOT FROM HIM”

extra man. Looking back, there were one or two chances that we should have taken and that would have killed them off. But because we didn’t take them, we sat back and invited them on us. Conceding the late free-kick, in the 84th minute, really killed us. I don’t think it was a point gained – it was two points dropped. Normally, you would feel okay with a point away from home but after the game it really felt like we lost. But we just have to dust ourselves off now and look for-

It is another important period of games coming up for us. But we’ll just take each game as it comes. That’s all we can do – concentrate on each one as it comes. Hopefully this evening, we can get three points here at home.

That would give us confidence going forward. It will be good to welcome Shane Duggan back tonight too, after suspension. He’s our captain and a big player for the club. Having him back is going to improve us. We are looking forward to the challenge tonight, testing ourselves against some of the best players in the league, and hopefully we can come out on the right side of the result.

Thanks for your support and enjoy the game, Jason Hughes.

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THE BOARDROOM: PAT O'SULLIVAN

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the boardroom

e extend a warm welcome to you all to tonight’s league match against Saint Patrick’s Athletic. We particularly welcome all our visitors from St. Pat’s – Liam Buckley, their players, backroom team, officials and supporters who have travelled to our city tonight.

I take this opportunity to extend our sincere condolences to St. Pat’s secretary Anthony Delaney whose father Tony sadly passed away earlier this week. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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Looking back on the past week, we were happy to gain our first points of the league season. Indeed, it could have been more as we led in both games, against Longford Town and Drogheda United, but at least now we are off the mark and we can look upwards.

Tonight, we face a team who last year won the FAI Cup and who will have ambitions of regaining their league title this season. We know the task facing us is a very difficult one but we enjoyed some fantastic results against St. Pat’s last season and we are all hoping that trend can continue.

Last weekend, I spoke about the success of our Under-19 squad who have had an excellent first season in the Southern Elite Division in qualifying for the quarter-finals. Now, they have the chance of winning the title, which would be beyond all expectations at the start of the campaign. Waterford United losing to Cobh Ramblers last Saturday has opened the door for our young players to win the league. But, again, we are well aware of the test they face in having to travel to Cobh on Tuesday night. We wish Tommy Barrett, the players and everybody involved the best of luck in that game.

They have done the club and city

proud and whatever happens this week we can look forward to the Champions Knockout Phase.

Unfortunately, our Under-15s saw their National Cup adventure come to an end last Saturday. But we must commend Ger Costelloe, Gary Manning and all the players on a memorable run to the quarter-finals.

There is certainly no shame in losing to a team like Saint Joseph’s Boys in Dublin and I am sure that everybody involved will have gained very valuable experience for the future.

I would like to thank our Match Sponsors who have kindly supported tonight’s game. CityNorth Hotel on the M1 are our Match Sponsor and we welcome their Sales and Marketing Manager Andy Greenslade here this evening. Our Matchball Sponsor is The William Street Barbershop, who have also sponsored Jason Hughes for the season, and our Post-Match Pub Sponsor is The Windmill Bar on Henry Street. We value all of our sponsors and their backing and continued support is appreciated by all.

Thanks for your support and enjoy the game, Pat O’Sullivan.

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player feature: shane costelloe

COSTELLOE CURED

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY: Defender happy again after “frustrating” absence

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efender Shane Costelloe says he is “just glad to be out there playing again” after enduring a “frustrating” 2014 through injury, with his first league appearance in a year coming at Drogheda United last Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old was handed a start in his preferred position of right-back at United Park, where Seán Harding had failed a fitness test prior to the warmup. That presented Costelloe with the opportunity of making his first Premier Division outing since suffering a serious back injury in the draw at Saint Patrick’s Athletic on 22 March 2014, and he put in a solid display in a defence featuring his former Under-19 teammate Tony Whitehead.

“Last year was frustrating, to say the least, missing the whole season out with injury,” Shane – who had already played in the Munster Senior and EA Sports Cups this term – told Into The Blue. “I’m just glad to be out there playing again. That’s the main thing – getting on the pitch and getting minutes. It was just not knowing what the injury was for ages. That was the biggest difficulty, really. It went weeks and months without identifying the injury.

Once I found out what it was, it was alright – I was able to target a comeback and put a timeframe on it.

“I was delighted to go in and play a game on Tuesday. Seány was struggling in training on Monday so I just made sure that I was ready on the bus up.

I knew Seány was having a fitness test. If he was able to play, fair enough, but I was more than happy to go in. I’m more than used with Tony playing beside me. I came up with the Under-19s with him so there was no issue there. I was just glad to be playing right-full myself – it has been a long time since I played there! I usually find myself stuck on the left but I don’t mind playing on the left – just once I’m on that pitch. It’s just the way it happens with injuries and whatnot. I think it’s a good part of my game that I can play right and left-full.”

Limerick led ten-man Drogheda for much of the game, having taken the lead from Ian Turner’s 30th-minute penalty after Alan Byrne was dismissed for the hosts. However, Seán Thornton’s late free-kick forced the Shannonsiders to settle for a point. The former Kilcornan youngster was disappointed with the outcome – having also watched his side surrender a lead against Longford Town last weekend. But he says the squad’s mood remains good ahead of tonight’s visit of St. Pat’s.

“We were decent in the first half and went in 1-0 up, deservedly,” Costelloe said.“In the second half, we took the foot off the pedal maybe. We didn’t even create many opportunities. Going down to ten men, we really should have closed the game out. They got one chance and they took it. We should have just knocked the ball around the pitch and made them move.

We might have played into their hands; it suited them when they were down a man. Going up there, we fancied ourselves. We knew it was two points dropped against Longford so we were targeting it for three points. But one point is better than nothing, I suppose.You can’t deny – we were disappointed. We held that 1-0 lead until late so, at the end of the day, it was two points dropped.

But we’ll go again and regroup.”

“IT WAS JUST NOT KNOWING WHAT THE INJURY WAS FOR AGES. THAT WAS THE BIGGEST DIFFICULTY, REALLY. IT WENT WEEKS AND MONTHS WITHOUT IDENTIFYING THE INJURY”

Costelloe believes Limerick’s young team can

“I’M JUST GLAD TO BE OUT THERE PLAYING AGAIN. THAT’S THE MAIN THING – GETTING ON THE PITCH AND GETTING MINUTES”

learn from the harsh lessons of top-flight football, and he is relishing the challenges which are approaching, against the Saints and reigning champions Dundalk next weekend.“We’re a young side so over the season we’re going to make fewer mistakes and drop fewer points. This is the level you want to be playing at every week. You want to be going out against the big boys and putting in good performances. We’ve got Pat’s at home so we’ll take that as the next game and target it.”

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UNDER-17S

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UNDERAGE FOCUS: DEVITT TARGETS UNDER-17 Midfielder determined to “work hard” after injury

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nder-15 captain Lee Devitt knows he must “work hard for the next few months” to catch the eye for the upcoming National Under-17 League, having recently returned from a broken leg.

verware by securing a place in the club’s Under-17 squad. “I’ve been happy with the side’s progress,” Lee said. “We’ve had a good season so far. We got beaten in the National Cup last weekend but we’ll move on from that. We’re gunning for the Under-15 League and Cup – we’re hoping for a double – along with the Under-16 Division One Cup. We’ve already won that league so hopefully we can push on from now with a few more trophies. I’m hoping to get into the Under-17 National League team; I have to work hard for the next few months and try to make my way into it.

I’m really looking forward to training with the Development Squad next week. It should be a good experience.”

“IT WAS MASSIVE FOR ME, SIGNING FOR A LEAGUE OF IRELAND CLUB. IT WAS A GOOD CHANCE FOR ME TO DEVELOP MORE AS A PLAYER”

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It was on the back of those performances that presented Devitt with the chance of signing for Limerick. “After the Kennedy Cup, I got a call from Ger (Costelloe) who told me to come in for a trial,” Lee explained. “I came in and I was happy with the setup so I joined. It was massive for me, signing for a League of Ireland club. It was a good chance for me to develop more as a player. I was really happy coming into the club.

It has been really good; the facilities are great.

Ger and Gary (Manning) are great coaches.

There are great drills in training. Shane (Costelloe) is great as well; he gives great tips. I’m happy here.” Devitt’s season took a turn in September when he suffered a broken leg at home to Shannon Town, but he has battled back well from that and recently returned to action. “It was hard to come back because it was a bad injury,” he admitted, “but I just want to get going now and start playing week in, week out.”

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Devitt started out his career with Shannon Hibernians, spending ten years there, and last June he was part of the LDSL Kennedy Cup squad which finished fourth. “I started from a young age with my uncles; they taught me how to play and then I joined the Under-4s with Shannon Hibs and went up along,” Lee told Into The Blue. “It was good. I played with them up until Under-14s, until the Kennedy Cup. I had a great manager, Damien Halpin. He taught me a lot – I’d like to thank him. At Under-13s we won a Cup and at Under-12s we won a league, so I was happy with that. The Kennedy Cup went well. We came fourth; we played well overall but I thought we could have gone further.”

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CLASSIC MATCH

CLASSIC MATCH: KING’S A SAINT Noel leads Shannonsiders to 1992 League Cup

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hat a difference a year makes’, read the opening line of the Irish Independent report as Noel King led Limerick to their second success in the League Cup, 12 months after losing his job at Shamrock Rovers. Saint Patrick’s Athletic had stood between his Shannonsiders and silverware in the Harold’s Cross decider in December 1992.

When King took over as Limerick boss in July 1992 – replacing Sam Allardyce – he made a number of shrewd signings, not least enticing Ken De Mange back from the UK. In November, the Shannonsiders had defeated Shelbourne 2-1 in the semi-final at Tolka Park. Limerick had trailed in that last-four tie but they fought back bravely to keep their Cup dream alive. Their equaliser came from a De Mange free-kick which was met by a powerful header from David Minihan and they went on to claim victory in the 88th minute as Barry Ryan popped up with a close-range finish.

In the final, Limerick searched for an early breakthrough and Peter Mumby saw his header tipped behind by Tony O’Dowd. The Bradford-born striker then saw an angled shot cleared off the line by Ian Hill. However, from the resultant corner – just 13 minutes in – Limerick struck the front. De Mange’s set-piece again provided the assist as Howie King rose brilliantly to power the ball to the net. St. Pat’s almost replied but after Paul Osam put in Pat Dolan he blazed wide. In the opening moments of the second half, they

League Cup Final: Harold’s Cross, Wednesday 30 December 1992 Saint Patrick’s Athletic 0-2 Limerick

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ph. 061 35 35 33 B

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should have been level when Pat Kelch set up John Treacy but he too failed to find the target.

Those misses proved costly on 54 minutes as Limerick wrapped up the trophy with a superb second goal. Albert Finnan – who had replaced the injured Mike Kerley early in the first half – found King who in turn fed Mumby with a perfect cross and the former Leeds United man made no mistake with the finish. The Saints went close to pulling one back when Paul Campbell hit the crossbar, but there was to be no denying Limerick as they added to their 1975/76 success. “It’s a great thrill,” King said afterwards. St. Pat’s boss Brian Kerr commented: “Once they get a goal, the system they play is very hard to break down. But we had chances and didn’t take them. Good luck to Limerick.” The gate receipts were £4,200.

Saint Patrick’s Athletic: O’Dowd, Hill, McDonnell, D Campbell (J Ryan 68), Kelch, Fallon (Newe 60), Treacy, P Campbell, Osam, Dunne, Dolan.

Limerick: Grace, Kerley (Finnan 17), O’Halloran, Minihan, Craig, Duffy, De Mange, Walsh, King, Mumby, B Ryan (McMahon 89).

Paddy Mc Auliffe

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Under-15s focus

U15 NATIONAL CUP: YOUNG BLUES BOW OUT AT QUARTER-FINALS Limerick’s Evans Cup adventure ends with capital defeat rhythm. Joeys capitalised on this and had the lead through a neat ball slipped into the centre and their striker made no mistake with the finish to the bottom-right corner.

A second was added moments later when slack defending allowed the Joeys No10 to turn freely in the box and dispatch to the net. A rash challenge followed in the box and Joeys were awarded a penalty but ‘keeper Corey McManus produced the save to keep Limerick in the battle.

Limerick began to find their feet and created some good chances with both Ronan Quinn and Fraser Allen forcing the Joeys No1 into fine stops and Brandon O’Halloran was unlucky with a thunderous shot from distance. However, a hammer blow was dealt when Joeys made it 3-0 just before the break, with their striker given too much time on the edge of the box and powering home.

Much of the same followed in the second half where Limerick’s opportunities were limited while Joeys were attacking in numbers when chances came. An extremely soft spot-kick in the second half gave the home side the chance to resume from where they left off in the first and the penalty taker made sure of the finish. Limerick were unlucky not to have taken their chances in the second period, going close on a number of occasions, but it was truly not to be their day and Joeys added two more from counterattacks after heavy pressure from Ger Costelloe’s side. imerick’s adventure in the Under-15 Evans National Cup came to an end at the quarter-final stage against Saint Joseph’s Boys at Pearse Park in Dublin last Saturday, with the hosts hitting six goals without reply.

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The match had only just begun in the capital when Joeys fired an early warning shot after quick play from the tip-off. Limerick did not seem settled, with nerves and the occasion preventing the players from easing into an early

Although the scoreline flattered the Dublin high-flyers, St. Joseph’s proved to be an exceptional team. It was not the performance Limerick would have expected to produce but they came away having learned a lot which will only prove to benefit the team. Full credit to St. Joseph’s on the win; they were fantastic hosts and we wish them the best of luck in the next round.

Limerick: Corey McManus, Eric Costelloe, Jimmy Leslie, Eoin Clifford, Ben Quinn, Ronan Quinn, Liam O’Sullivan, Brandon O’Halloran, Andy Quaid, Fraser Allen, Carlos Bestard. Subs: Ger Hodkinson, Ethan Butler, James Hodkinson, Lee Devitt, Ray Kelly, Ronan Cahill.

GLASS - WINDOWS - DOORS SALES - REPAIR - SERVICE Energy Rated Windows & Doors Conservatories & Sunrooms Single - Double - Triple Glazing Toughened & Laminated Glass Stove Glass Resin & Leaded Glass Internal Door Glass Mirrors GLASSTECH, ROSMADDA BUSINESS PARK, BALLYSIMON ROAD, LIMERICK TEL: 061-439949 BRIAN: 087-1218947 FAX: 061-437956 MIKE: 087-2496011 Email: glasstechlk@gmail.com

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ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC Focus

ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC H

istory

Saint Patrick’s Athletic was founded in 1929.

They quickly climbed through the junior and intermediate ranks and by the end of the 1940s they were established as the top non-League of Ireland club in the country. After winning the FAI Intermediate Cup in 1948 and 1949 they were finally admitted to the senior ranks in 1951. They made an immediate impact, winning the League Championship at the first attempt and they quickly added two more titles. They won their first FAI Cup in 1959, repeating the feat in 1961, although it was just last year before they added a third success in that competition. Indeed, after their league triumph of 1956, it would be another 34 years before they secured a fourth Championship, doing so in 1990 during their time at Harold’s Cross. That success was due in part to the appointment of Brian Kerr as manager which had come in 1986.

Three more Leagues followed by the end of the 90s, under Kerr, Pat Dolan and Liam Buckley. Having returned to the club for the 2012 season, Buckley led St. Pat’s to the league once more in 2013 and ended their long wait for the Cup last term. The club motto is Ní neart go cur le chéile. It translates to No strength without unity.

Manager: Liam Buckley Liam Buckley (born: 14 April 1960) began his League of Ireland playing career with Shelbourne before moving on to Shamrock Rovers in 1979. Just two weeks past his 20th birthday, the forward represented the League of Ireland against Argentina at River Plate Stadium where Diego Maradona scored in a 1-0 defeat. Buckley – a two-time Republic of Ireland International – enjoyed a spell with Vancouver White-

caps in 1981/82 before returning to Rovers. Then came spells at KSV Waregem in Belgium, Racing de Santander in Spain and FC Montreux-Sports in Switzerland. Back at home, he played with Rovers once more, then Saint Patrick’s Athletic, Sligo Rovers and finally Athlone Town. His managerial career has seen him take charge of Athlone twice, St. Pat’s twice, Rovers and Sporting Fingal.

Key Player: Christy Fagan Christy Fagan (born: 11 May 1989) played for Saint Anthony’s Boys, Home Farm and Manchester United in his youth career. He was on the books of Hamilton Academical in Scotland and then Lincoln City in England, joining them in the summer of 2009. The following February, he went on-loan to Jerez Industrial in Spain. Having been released

by Lincoln in August 2010, Fagan returned home to sign for Pat Fenlon’s Bohemians ahead of the 2011 season. The striker – a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 International – switched to Saint Patrick’s Athletic the following year. Since moving to Richmond Park, he has helped the Saints to the Premier Division title in 2013 and last November he was on the mark twice in their FAI Cup final win over Derry City as the club ended their 53year wait for success in that competition.

Founded: 1929 | Home Stadium: Richmond Park Honours: League of Ireland Champions: 8 (1951/52, 1954/55, 1955/56, 1989/90, 1995/96, 1997/98, 1998/99, 2013); FAI Cup: 3 (1959, 1961, 2014); League Cup: 2 (2000/01, 2003)

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PLAYER Q&A: FUN FIFTEEN PAUDIE O'CONNOR

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LIMERICK FC vrs ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

q&a fUN fIFTEEN

hort Bio: Paudie O’Connor (born: 14 July 1997) is a young centre-half who previously played with Kilcornan, Breska Rovers and Regional United before joining Limerick Under-19s for the 2013/14 season. In April last year, he made his competitive first-team debut in the Munster Senior Cup semi-final against Rockmount at Turner’s Cross.

Assigned squad No24 this season, O’Connor – a Republic of Ireland Underage International – was handed his league debut when starting against Bohemians on the opening day and has been a central part of Martin Russell’s plans despite his tender years.

S

1) If you could have a room full of one anything what would it be (keep it clean)?

Has to be a room full of my mates. Nothing beats a day of laughter!!

2) When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up (apart from a footballer!)

I think it was a fireman. The dream was always to be the next Roy Keane though!

3) What is in your fridge right now?

Apart from the usual – a few Yops and Moojus make up the fridge!

4) If you won the lotto what's the first thing you would buy?

A car! I can’t wait to get on the road!

5) What is your favourite holiday destination?

Alicante in Spain. Been there on a few holidays and it’s a great spot!

6) Your first footballing memory?

Probably would be playing with three of my mates in the field next my house at the age of 5 or 6. Endless hours of intense games of ‘World Cup Knockouts’ were had.

7) Your dream car?

Black-Out Range Rover Sport would do me fine!

8) Do you have any pre-match superstitions or rituals?

Not really a superstitious person! I say a prayer before each game but not really sure if that counts!

SATURDAY NIGHT

FEVER #LimerickFC #StrongerTogether

9) If you were invisible for a day what one thing would you do (apart from rob a bank!)?

Probably go around town freaking people out and record it on camera!

I’m a terrible person, I know!

10) If you were a superhero what would your name be?

Probably Giraffe Boy! Christened by most of my teammates!

11) Ronaldo or Messi?

Messi. No argument – you can’t teach that!

12) What was the last film you watched?

American Sniper. Great watch!

13) Your favourite ice-cream flavour?

Can’t beat a 99 cone on a sunny day!

14) If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you (apart from a boat!)?

A ball, friends and sunscreen. Everybody hates being sunburnt!!

15) Tell us the worst joke you know?

Why is the sand always wet at the seaside? Because the seaweed. Ba dum tish!

LIMERICK FC VRS DUNDALK S TA N D : € 1 5 A D U LT €12 THIRD-LEVEL STUDENT €7 SECOND-LEVEL STUDENT € 7 O A P, € 5 U 1 2

G R O U N D : € 1 2 A D U LT €10 THIRD-LEVEL STUDENT €7 SECOND-LEVEL STUDENT € 7 O A P, € 5 U 1 2

4TH APRIL 2015, 6.30pm, Jackman Park

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the big interview: ian turner

THE BIG INTERVIEW: WITH IAN TURNER “OUR CAPTAIN DAN MURRAY ENDED UP HAVING TO RING ONE OF THE POPULAR RADIO TALKSHOWS IN CORK AND PUT OUT AN APPEAL FOR SOMEBODY TO PAY FOR THE BUS”

F

rom static buses to the highs of winning a league title and back to warming the bench, Ian Turner saw all the joys of League of Ireland football during his time with his hometown club Cork City. Eventually, that desire for game-time forced movement last summer as he crossed the divide to Shannonside. Here, the ups and downs continued for a short spell as the manager who had signed him departed within hours of his first game. The winger admits that created some “uncertainty”, but soon under the guidance of Martin Russell he is convinced it was “the right decision in the end”.

Turner is a native of Douglas and in three weeks’ time will celebrate his 26th birthday. Also a part-time DJ, he kicked off his career with College Corinthians before moving to Wilton United at Under-14 level. He remained there until Under-17s and enjoyed a

“pretty successful” time where he says the whole group was “close together”. Turner caught the eye of Cork City’s Under-18 manager Paul Bowdren and it was from there that his professional career blossomed, eventually stepping up to the first-team squad in 2009. However, that was a troublesome period for Cork which ended in their demise out of top-flight football and then rebirth as Cork City FORAS Co-Op for the 2010 First Division.

“I was involved in the Reserves at the time and Stuart Ashton was kind of pushing for the younger players to go up and train with the first team because the first team were full-time,” Ian explains to Into The Blue, reflecting on that senior jump six years ago. “I was in FÁS at the time. Tom Coughlan had taken over and a couple of players left, so there were more opportunities for us. There were four or five of us ended up going through to the first team. I was in and out. I was training with the first team and I was going to the matches at the weekend. I was in the squad but I was the extra player, left out. That was my progression through to the first team but then

Position: Winger Signed: Thursday 3 July 2014 Date / Place of Birth: 19 April 1989 (25) / Cork Ex-Clubs: College Corinth ians, Wilton United, Cor k City Club Debut: vs. Bohemi ans (H), 4 July 2014 (Pre mier Division) First Club Goal: vs. Shamro ck Rovers (H), 1 August 2014 (Premier Division) Twitter: @2Ian_T

obviously the club went bust and we started up again in the First Division.”

“Strange” is the word that Turner uses when he describes what proved to be one of the final away days for the club, ahead of a trip to tonight’s opponents Saint Patrick’s Athletic in September 2009. “It was strange, really, because there was the whole episode one day where we were up in Silver Springs where we would usually get a bus to the away matches and the bus driver refused to leave until he got paid,” Ian recalls. “That day, our captain Dan Murray ended up having to ring one of the popular radio talk-shows in Cork and put out an appeal for somebody to pay for the bus. Someone end-

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LIMERICK FC vrs ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

the big interview: ian turner

ed up paying the bus and there were headlines about it and we went to the game. It was kind of like that for the last 2-3 months of the season.”

More interesting times came ahead of the 2010 campaign when Roddy Collins was appointed as manager, but before a ball had been kicked Cork left the league. Immediately, they restarted in the First Division under Tommy Dunne – who had been assistant to Paul Doolin the previous year. “It was a weird start to the season,” Turner acknowledges, “because when we went back for pre-season Roddy Collins came in as manager and the club was still full-time. He was agreeing contracts with players and he was telling people that things were going to be okay. Then with a couple of weeks to go to the season the club folded. It was a rush then to get to the start of the season.”

Turner – who said that Collins had been “very good” in his short time working under him – was part of a 13-man squad that travelled to Derry City for the season opener just over a week after Dunne’s appointment.

“It was one of those where we didn’t know what to expect at the start of the season,” Ian says, on hopes for that year. “For the first game of the season we only had 13 players going up to Derry and for a few of us it was our first ever step-up to League of Ireland and senior football. Going and playing in Derry in front of 3,000 people in the First Division was a ‘thrown in at the deep end’ situation. But I thought we handled it well. That season wasn’t a hugely successful season but it was consolidation and getting people a bit

more experienced at that level.”

After a sixth-placed finish, Cork went on to win the First Division title in dramatic circumstances on the final day of the 2011 season, pipping Shelbourne at the post thanks to Graham Cummins’ 94th-minute goal. “The First Division at the time was really competitive,” Ian remembers. “There were some really good teams and good pros in there. That year, we started off only okay and we got to the break and I think we were third or fourth in the league. Then we went unbeaten the whole way through from the week after the break until the end of the season and obviously ended up pinching it on the last day. Shels only needed a draw to win the league and we were in a situation where if we lost and Monaghan won we would have ended up going into a playoff, and if we drew we would have got promoted. We knew at the time we were on such a good run, we weren’t really fearful of Shels at all.We had a really good team at the time and had gone unbeaten for a long time leading up to that game. It was strange the way it happened.

We scored early and sat off a little bit. They got the equaliser and then the game kind of fizzed out. It was one of those where we thought a draw would do us, a draw would do Shels, Shels would have won the league but we would have got promoted. That was obviously our aim at the start of the season. But we ended up getting a really good goal with pretty much the last kick of the game and it was a bit surreal at the time.”

Cork consolidated once again in their first two seasons back up, finishing sixth on both occasions. Dunne, though, had departed in August 2013. That November, John Caulfield took charge, but by then Turner knew he would miss the first game of 2014 through a carried-over suspension. “It definitely didn’t help,” he says on that ban, with the winger unable to then break into what turned out to be a title-challenging team. “It’s one of those where you’re going through the whole of pre-season and you know in the back of your own head that you can’t play in the first game of the season. In pre-season games the manager is obviously looking at what he’s going to do for the first

game.When you know you’re not involved in the first game, you’re not as involved in pre-season games and the manager is looking at different things. In the first game, we drew with St. Pat’s and then we went on an unbelievable unbeaten run, winning and drawing games. Obviously, it was going to be hard for me to get back in when the team was winning.”

With just three league appearances off the bench, Turner knew it was time for change. Last July, he packed his bags for Limerick but he would end up as Stuart Taylor’s final signing for the club. “It came to a stage where I was banging on the manager’s door at Cork and he was saying the exact same thing – it was hard for him to change a winning team,” Ian explains.

“I just had to keep doing what I was doing in training.

But halfway through the season I had only played 2-3 games. For me, because of the couple of years previous to that where I was a regular in the team and I was used to playing, it was important to get my name back out there and get myself back established in the league.

“At the time, I had agreed everything with John Caulfield that I’d go out on-loan. I had a couple of clubs interested and Limerick showed a bit of interest so for me it was a no-brainer to go to Limerick. They were a decent team and from what I had known from the guys there they had a really good manager. I spoke

“I FELT MY GAME WOULD KIND OF SUIT THE WAY MARTIN LIKES HIS TEAMS TO PLAY, SO IT WAS A BIG PLUS FOR ME. I’VE BEEN DELIGHTED WITH MY TIME HERE. I FEEL IT WAS THE RIGHT DECISION IN THE END”

to Shane Duggan, obviously who I had played with at Cork. He told me that Stuart was really good and that my game would have suited there. Once they showed interest I was delighted and we got it all sorted. I trained on the Thursday, played on the Friday and then Stuart was gone by the Sunday. I didn’t get as much time to work with him as I would have liked. Once I got the news that Stuart was leaving, a bit of uncertainty was creeping back in again. I had to look at it a little bit selfishly, if I’m honest, and say ‘look, I’m here now, get a run of games until the end of the season and then sort out my future after that’.”

But there was a welcome twist, with Martin Russell soon appointed as boss. Since then, ‘Turns’ hasn’t looked back, enjoying an almost ever-present role in the team. “That was a really big thing for me,” he says on Russell’s arrival, “because I had come from the previous three or four years where I had Tommy Dunne as my manager. He would have certain similarities to Martin, where they both like to get the ball down and play in the right way. I felt my game would kind of suit the way Martin likes his teams to play, so it was a big plus for me. I’ve been delighted with my time here. I really enjoyed my time last year when I came on-loan so, for me, it wasn’t really a hard decision to come down to Limerick. I feel I get on well with Martin and he plays a good style of football. That suits my game so I feel it was the right decision in the end.”

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MATCHDAY SQUADS

SQUADS MANAGER: MARTIN RUSSELL

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

Conor O’Donnell (GK) Seán Harding Robbie Williams Aidan Price Paul O’Conor Ian Turner Shane Duggan (C) Dean Clarke Vinny Faherty Darragh Rainsford Seán Russell Tony Whitehead Shane Costelloe Val Feeney Ross Mann Gavin Dillon Kieran Hanlon Colm Murphy Paudie O’Connor Seán McSweeney Conor Maguire Killian Brouder Jason Hughes Tommy Holland (GK)

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30

Without the fans, who are they playing for?

MANAGER: LIAM BUCKLEY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26

Brendan Clarke (GK) Ger O’Brien (Captain) Ian Bermingham Jason McGuinness Seán Hoare Greg Bolger Conan Byrne Morgan Langley Christy Fagan Ciarán Kilduff Killian Brennan Lee Desmond James Chambers Kenny Browne Conor O’Malley (GK) Chris Forrester Sam Verdon Jamie McGrath Aaron Greene Darragh Markey Conor McCormack Cyril Guedje Patrick Jennings (GK) Jack Bayly

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Saturday 4 April: Dundalk, Jackman Park, 6.30pm SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Saturday 11April: Bray Wanderers, Carlisle Grounds, 5.45pm SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Friday 17 April: Galway United, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7.45pm SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Monday 20 April: Derry City, Jackman Park, 7.45pm SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Saturday 25 April: Shamrock Rovers, Jackman Park, 6.30pm

OFFICIALS: Referee: Seán Grant, Assistant 1: Michelle O'Neill, Assistant 2: Ralph Pieper Fourth Official: Robert Hennessey.

#FanPoweredFootball

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LIMERICK FC PLAYER PROFILES

2

1

3

Conor O’Donnell (Gk)

5

Seán Harding

6

Robbie Williams

Paul O’Conor

9

12

Dean Clarke

14

Darragh Rainsford

17

Ian Turner

10

Shane Duggan (C)

Vinny Faherty

15 Seán Russell

18

Tony Whitehead

19

Shane Costelloe

Val Feeney

21

22 Gavin Dillon

Ross Mann

23 Kieran Hanlon

24 Paudie O’Connor

27

Seán McSweeney

29 Killian Brouder

Colm Murphy

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Conor Maguire

30 Jason Hughes

Tommy Holland (GK)

P L AY E R S P O N S O R S SHANE DUGGAN:

SEÁN MCSWEENEY:

PAUDIE O’CONNOR:

JASON HUGHES

Nagle’s Eurospar, Main

Foynes Pharmacy,

O'Sullivan's Centra

The William Street

Main Street, Foynes,

Clarina / Caherconlish.

Street, Bruff.

Limerick, (069) 65572.

obbie Williams came through the youth system at Barnsley and progressed to the first team, where he made over 60 appearances having been handed his debut against Brentford in October 2002. He went on to experience Championship football there. In early 2007, he moved to Blackpool on loan and scored on his debut in a win at Bradford City two days later. He then scored the first goal in the Playoff Final against Yeovil Town in front of 60,000 people at Wembley Stadium, a game they won 2-0 to secure promotion to the Championship.

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7

Aidan Price

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Barbershop No2 Upper William Street Tel: 061-468663

In August ‘07, Williams moved to League One Huddersfield Town on a three-year deal. After recovering from a hairline fracture to his shin, he made his debut against Leeds United that December. In May 2010, he featured in both legs of the League One playoff semi-final defeat by Millwall, but that summer he was released by the club having seen through his initial contract. Having had a trial at Aberdeen, the Pontefract native joined League Two Stockport County that August, spending a short time there – totalling over 20 appearances – before moving on to League One Rochdale in January 2011. The following July, he signed for League Two Plymouth Argyle where he spent 18 months. Towards the end of his time there, he suffered a stomach injury which ruled him out for two months and in January his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

In February 2013, he left the English Leagues for the first time when arriving at Limerick for their return to the top flight – after a 19-year absence –

Position: Left Back Signed: Thursday 14 February 2013 Date / Place of Birth: 2 October 1984 (30) / Pon tefract, England Ex-Clubs: Barnsley, Blackpo ol, Huddersfield Town, Stockport County, Rochda le, Plymouth Argyle Club Debut: vs. Cork City (H), 10 March 2013 (Pre mier Division) First Club Goal: vs. Bohemi ans (H), 30 September 2013 (Premier Division).

Twitter: None

FACTFILE: Robbie Williams under Stuart Taylor. He made his debut the following month on the opening day of the season at home to Munster rivals Cork City at Thomond Park, a match which ended scoreless. He would have to wait until late September to net his first goal as he headed the Shannonsiders to a late 1-0 win at home to Bohemians. In all, he made 26 appearances, 25 from the start.

In August 2013, he had penned a new deal to keep him at the club until the end of the 2014 season. His second campaign saw him make 22 outings, 20 starts, and again he netted once – in the home win over Athlone Town on Good Friday. On 18 December last, he signed another fresh contract for 2015. On 28 February, he made his 50th competitive appearance for the club in their Munster Senior Cup semi-final against Cork City which Limerick won 8-7 on penalties – Williams netting one of those – after a 3-3 draw where he also scored.

LIMERICK FC vrs ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

30-question quiz

30 QUESTION

QUIZ

Domestic 1) Who scored Longford Town’s two goals against Limerick last Saturday?

2) Prior to last year, when did Saint Patrick’s Athletic last win the FAI Cup? 3) Who did they defeat in the semi-finals on the way to last season’s success?

4) Which club won the 2013 League Cup – the second in their history?

5) In what year did Kilkenny City win the First Division title?

6) For bonus points, who were runners-up to them that season?

7) In the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League, who did Shelbourne defeat in the first qualifying round?

8) What country did Liam Buckley win his first senior Irish cap against (in 1984)?

9) Who scored Limerick’s first goal in their 2-0 home win over St. Pat’s last May? 10) What club won the FAI Cup in 1997?

European 1) Who scored the opening goal in last weekend’s El Clásico?

2) Swansea City play their home fixtures at what stadium?

3) Who is currently the top scorer in French Ligue 1?

4) What club were runners-up in the 1993/94 UEFA Champions League?

5) The 2007 UEFA Cup final featured Sevilla and who?

6) What club has won the Portuguese Primeira Liga a record 33 times?

7) In what year did Feyenoord last win the Eredivisie?

8) What club won the 2014 Swedish Allsvenskan?

9) Who scored Chelsea’s winning goal against Hull City last weekend?

10) How many Scottish League Championships have Celtic won?

International 1) Who scored Scotland’s winner against Ireland in their UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier last November?

2) How many FIFA World Cups did Pelé win in his playing career?

3) Kevin Doyle has signed a pre-contract with which MLS club?

4) Former Ireland International David Connolly played for Feyenoord and what other Dutch club?

5) Who scored Spain’s opening goal in their UEFA Euro 2012 final against Italy?

6) Australian Tim Cahill currently plays with which Chinese club?

7) For bonus points, with what country did Cahill play Under-20 football at age 14?

8) On what date will the 2022 FIFA World Cup final be held?

9) In UEFA Euro 2008, who did Germany defeat in the semi-finals?

10) Slovakian forward Vladimír Weiss currently plays his club football in what country?

Domestic: 1) David O’Sullivan. 2) 1961. 3) Finn Harps. 4) Shamrock Rovers. 5) 1997. 6) Drogheda United. 7) Glentoran. 8) Poland. 9) Danny Galbraith. 10) Shelbourne.

European: 1) Jérémy Mathieu. 2) Liberty Stadium. 3) Alexandre Lacazette (Olympique Lyonnais). 4) Barcelona. 5) Espanyol. 6) Benfica. 7) 1999. 8) Malmö FF. 9) Loïc Rémy. 10) 45.

International: 1) Shaun Maloney. 2) Three. 3) Colorado Rapids. 4) SBV Excelsior. 5) David Silva. 6) Shanghai Shenhua. 7) Samoa. 8) 18 December. 9) Turkey. 10) Qatar.

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u19s title tilt

TITLE TILT: “NO PRESSURE” – BARRETT Young Blues can seal Southern Elite Division this week imerick Under-19 manager Tommy Barrett says their title decider this week is “a bonus” as they travel to Cobh on Tuesday night knowing that victory would dramatically see them leapfrog Waterford United to the Southern Elite Division title.

L

The Shannonsiders are on a five-match winning streak and an eight-game unbeaten run since Christmas. Now, though, they face high-flying Cobh Ramblers who have won six and drawn two in the same period. Last weekend at the RSC, they upset Waterford – who would have won the title with three points in what was their final outing – to open the door for Limerick. Barrett has welcomed that opportunity but insists that their objective has already been completed.

“I don’t think there is any pressure on the lads, really,” Tommy told Into The Blue. “I know they might feel it themselves but I don’t see any pressure being on us. It’s a game where it’s a bonus for us this year with such a young squad and young team. I certainly won’t be putting them under any pressure.

We’ll play the way we’re playing all year. Obviously, it would be great to win. We’ve won a lot of matches away from home, losing just one.

But Cobh have only lost one at home so it will be a difficult challenge for us. But we’ll give it the best go we can.

“I thought particularly when we beat Shamrock Rovers a couple of weeks ago that it would come down to the last day. I probably didn’t ex-

“WE’VE ALREADY ACHIEVED WHAT WE SET OUT TO DO BUT WE HAVE A CHANCE OF WINNING SOMETHING NOW AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO WIN IT”

pect Cobh to beat Waterford but I thought they would definitely get a result down there, because they have been doing very well.

I think ourselves and Cobh are the two form teams – we’re both unbeaten since Christmas. We’ve already achieved what we set out to do but obviously we want to win now. We have a chance of winning something and it would be nice to win it. If we win, fantastic. If not, we’ve done great and we still have the quarter-final to look forward to.”

Limerick led 2-0 at home to Cobh in November but conceded twice in the closing minutes as it finished 2-2, and Barrett rues those dropped points. “It probably is, in hindsight,” he said, asked if that was the one he felt got away. “We were 2-0 up with seven or eight minutes to go and we gave away two sloppy goals. The lads have been much better since the New Year. We haven’t really conceded many soft goals and we’ve won most of our games. But in saying that, Cobh have got better as well by the looks of it. Fair play to them. I’m sure the best team will win on the day.” Kick-off at Saint Colman’s Park is set for 6.30pm.

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LIMERICK FC vrs ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

SWEET 16: kevin fitzgerald

SW E E T 1 6 :

FAVO U R I T E S

Inside the life of our Under-16 squad

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KEVIN FITZGERALD In this feature, we go inside the lives of our Under-16 squad to discover some of their favourite things. Next up is Kevin Fitzgerald, who has played in both defence and midfield during his first season at Limerick FC. A cousin of first-team member Val Feeney, Kevin previously played for Killavilla United in Roscrea.

1. Favourite Meal? Enchiladas 2. Favourite Drink? Lucozade / Water 3. Favourite Band? Eminem

4. Favourite Song? Lose Yourself 5. Favourite Ice-Cream? Iceberger 6. Favourite Bar? Bournville 7. Favourite Movie? Green Street 8. Favourite Actor / Actress? Jason Statham 9. Favourite Footballer? Messi / Verratti 10. Favourite Sports Person (non-football)? Conor McGregor 11. Favourite Holiday Destination? Spain 12. Favourite Car? Range Rover 13. Favourite Sport (apart from football)? Rugby / Athletics 14. Favourite School Subject? P.E. / Biology 15. Favourite Cartoon Character? Homer Simpson 16. Favourite Football Boot? Old-style Predators with the tongue

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THE ROAD TO FRANCE

ROAD TO FRANCE: IRELAND SET FOR CRUCIAL QUALIFIER O’Neill’s men welcome Poland to the Aviva Stadium tomorrow

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epublic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given summed up this weekend’s UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland, calling it a “must-not-lose” clash having already tasted defeat in their campaign.

Martin O’Neill’s men opened qualification with wins in Georgia and at home to Gibraltar before rescuing a precious point late on against Germany in Gelsenkirchen, where John O’Shea produced a dramatic injury-time equaliser. That good work was somewhat undone by last November’s narrow loss in Scotland – Shaun Maloney striking the difference 15 minutes from time at Celtic Park. That has increased the pressure going into tomorrow’s match with leaders Poland at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Poles – like Ireland – have beaten Georgia and Gibraltar, but it was their success at home to Germany in October that sees them steal an early march on their opponents, sitting three points clear. They also came from behind to draw 2-2 at home to Scotland, in what is a very competitive Group D. “It is huge,” Given said earlier this week, aware of how vital the outcome could be when the points are tallied at the end of the campaign next October – which incidentally ends with a trip to Poland. “It’s one of the biggest games we will play in the whole qualifying campaign.

Of course, Poland are a great team, but we are at home and we have got to use that advantage and try to get the win. It’s not must-win yet, but it’s must-not-lose, I suppose. We have all been here before in this situation in the qualifying campaign. We know how important it is. It is a huge game, of course, and ideally you want to win your home games and take some points on

the road as well.”

O’Neill revealed that set-pieces will take particular focus in the build-up to the match where he has attempted to get the “balance right” with a number of his players having recently been in action. “For players who have played a lot of games around this time of year sometimes rest is more important,” the boss said. “But by the same token we still have to do some work, particularly in set-pieces, and for some of the other players who haven’t played that much I think they would like to do a little bit more. It’s trying to balance it all out and hopefully by the end of the week we’ll have got the balance right.” Tomorrow’s other fixtures see Germany travel to Georgia while Scotland welcome Gibraltar to Hampden Park. Following tomorrow’s game, next up for Ireland is the visit of the Scots in June and then reverse tests against Gibraltar and Georgia in September. They complete their fixtures against Germany and Poland in early October.

“IT IS HUGE. IT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST GAMES WE WILL PLAY IN THE WHOLE QUALIFYING CAMPAIGN. IT’S NOT MUST-WIN YET, BUT IT’S MUST-NOT-LOSE” – GIVEN

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first team Weekend Report

LEAGUE: RUSSELL BAGS BRACE BUT LIMERICK HELD Debut double for midfielder but Longford recover

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eán Russell scored a brace on his league debut for Limerick but they were twice pegged back by newly-promoted Longford Town as the sides settled for a 2-2 draw at Jackman Park last Saturday evening.

Longford were the first to threaten around seven minutes in when Pat Sullivan tried his luck from distance but Conor O’Donnell gathered before Kevin O’Connor broke through but he dragged his effort wide. Limerick then produced their first opening on 11 minutes when Dean Clarke played a superb ball out to Ian Turner on the right and his cross was headed goalwards by Darragh Rainsford but Paul Hunt gathered.

Then stand-in skipper Robbie Williams headed over a Russell free-kick – although the linesman’s flag was up in any case – before Paul O’Conor also saw his effort go off target. Then at the other end, Don Cowan threatened twice, firstly being well blocked in the box by Aidan Price before he fired wide from a tight angle.

But Limerick broke the deadlock on 21 minutes when Russell picked up possession just outside the box and skipped past his man before drilling a brilliant shot past Hunt.

That lead was short-lived as Longford levelled within five minutes as O’Connor’s shot was blocked and O’Donnell’s attempted clearance fell to David O’Sullivan who had the simplest of tasks to tap in close to the line. But the hosts restored their advantage before half-time as Clarke raided down the right-hand side of the area and sent in a low cross for Russell to finish for his second. At half-time, Vinny Faherty replaced Rainsford. After a quiet opening to the second half, Longford found another equaliser

on 58 minutes when Cowan’s cross from the right was headed to the net by O’Sullivan from close range.

Shortly after, Turner saw his free-kick from a promising position around 25-yards out drift wide. Then Gary Shaw was through on goal for the visitors but O’Donnell came out well to deny him. On 71 minutes, Conor Powell got down the left and crossed for Shaw who somehow headed wide with just the ‘keeper to beat. Six minutes later, Clarke did well on the left, getting past his man in the box at the by-line and pulled the ball back for O’Conor but he struck wide from 20-yards. Then, for the visitors, O’Connor’s delivery from the left was met by O’Sullivan but he directed his header off target, in what proved to be the last opportunity for a winner, with both teams settling for their first point of the campaign.

Limerick: Conor O’Donnell, Seán Harding, Paudie O’Connor, Aidan Price, Robbie Williams, Paul O’Conor, Jason Hughes, Darragh Rainsford (Vinny Faherty HT), Seán Russell, Ian Turner, Dean Clarke. Unused Subs: Tommy Holland (GK), Tony Whitehead, Shane Costelloe, Val Feeney, Ross Mann, Kieran Hanlon.

Longford Town: Paul Hunt, Jamie Mulhall, Pat Sullivan, Pat Flynn, Conor Powell, Don Cowan (Lorcan Shannon 75), Stephen Rice, Mark Salmon ©, Kevin O’Connor, David O’Sullivan, Gary Shaw. Unused Subs: Paul Skinner (GK), Mark Rossiter, Rhys Gorman, Martin Deady, Tom Morris, Kaleem Simon.

Referee: James McKell (Tipperary). Attendance: 481 (Official).

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Last Time Out: First Team

LEAGUE: LATE FREE-KICK DENIES LIMERICK VICTORY Thornton rescues point for ten-man Drogheda eán Thornton’s 84th-minute freekick denied Limerick victory as they were forced to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with ten-man Drogheda United at United Park last Tuesday night.

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After a bright opening, the first real chance came on eight minutes when Darragh Rainsford’s cross from the left was flicked on by Ian Turner to Paul O’Conor at the back post but, with just Micheál Schlingermann to beat, he drilled over. Then Seán Brennan’s pinpoint pass from the halfway line on the left was into the path of Daryl Kavanagh, but after being taken slightly wide his effort went inches past the top corner. On 18 minutes, Seán Russell’s floated free-kick found Robbie Williams in the box but he directed a tame header at the home stopper from ten-yards.

On 25 minutes, good pressing from Turner, Russell and Dean Clarke gained Limerick possession deep in Drogheda territory and the latter broke away before driving a low 20-yard shot that Schlingermann gathered at the second attempt. As a lively contest continued to produce chances, the next fell to Drogheda as Cathal Brady’s right-wing cross was met

by Brennan in the centre but he headed over when he should have done better. But the game took a huge twist just before the halfhour mark when O’Conor got in behind and was taken down in the box by last man Alan Byrne. The referee dished out the red card and awarded the penalty which was coolly converted by Turner.

On 36 minutes, Kavanagh fired wide from distance, but Limerick had Conor O’Donnell to thank twice in the space of a minute before

the break. Firstly, Thornton’s free-kick was onto the head of Neil Yadolahi who forced the Shannonsiders No1 into a fantastic save as he pushed behind. Then, from Brady’s corner, he produced heroics to deny Michael Daly’s powerful header which seemed certain to find the net. On 57 minutes, after a quiet opening to the second half, Drogheda should have levelled when Brady’s cross from the right was met by the in-rushing Kavanagh but he headed over from close in.

Then Russell let one fly from outside the box which went narrowly off target. On 61 minutes, Clarke saw a shot deflected behind and then Rainsford headed over from a Russell corner. On 65 minutes, Kavanagh was booked for simulation in the box as the home crowd pleaded for a penalty, and then at the other end Clarke saw another shot blocked after Turner’s low cross had found him. Limerick were weathering a storm but they conceded with six minutes remaining as Thornton produced a superb free-kick into the top corner from 20-yards, to leave the visitors disappointed at the final whistle.

Drogheda United: Micheál Schlingermann, Michael Daly, Alan Byrne, Neil Yadolahi (Mark Hughes 55), Joe Gorman, Cathal Brady, Seán Thornton, Stephen Maher, Jason Marks (Lee Duffy 72), Seán Brennan (Carl Walshe 85), Daryl Kavanagh. Unused Subs: Dylan Connolly (GK), Lloyd Buckley, Tiarnán Mulvenna, Shane Dunne.

Limerick: Conor O’Donnell, Shane Costelloe, Tony Whitehead, Aidan Price, Robbie Williams, Jason Hughes (Vinny Faherty 88), Paul O’Conor, Darragh Rainsford, Seán Russell, Ian Turner, Dean Clarke. Unused Subs: Tommy Holland (GK), Val Feeney, Ross Mann, Kieran Hanlon, Paudie O’Connor, Conor Maguire.

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in photos: limerick VRS LONGFORD TOWN

Photography: Conor Wyse (conorwyse.ie)

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