First-Team Programme: Limerick v Drogheda United, 28 March 2014

SSE Airtricity Premier League. Thomond Park, Friday March 28th, 2014 Issue 2

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O FFICIAL YEARB OOK 2014 1937

greenhegroupt

VERSUS DROGHEDA U N ITE D

SPONSORS MATCH SPONSOR

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES

MAN OF THE MATCH

MATCH BALL

OFFICIALS

REFEREE GRAHAM KELLY ASSISTANT ALLEN LYNCH ASSISTANT EMMET DYNAN 4TH OFFICIAL PADRAIGH SUTTON

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Welcome to you all to tonight’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match, particularly to our visitors from Drogheda United who have enjoyed a very positive start to the season. We have had a mixed start to the campaign, but buoyed by an excellent away draw against the Champions last weekend we’ll be targeting our first league win, with your support.

We formally announced our purchase of the ‘Kirby-O’Sullivan Sports, Social and Business Park’ during the week and I’m glad to see such a positive reaction to it in national media, with all papers and RTÉ covering the move, which is vital to the club. A lot of work has gone in thus far; more will be required in the future and you can have a part to play in that. We’ll soon announce tours of the new facilities where those interested can get a thorough understanding of our vision for the site.

I’d like to acknowledge our staff, particularly Kieran Judge who supported the event management of the FAI Junior Cup quarter-final match between Carew Park and St. Michael’s last weekend. It was brilliant for us to be in a position to support a local side, doing

so well, and we’ve been very appreciative of the feedback. While the result on the day did not go their way, we will now look to Ballynanty to fly the Limerick Flag in the competition and wish them every success.

We will be gearing up with some exciting promotions and offers through the season to reward you for your support of the Superblues and also to bring more people to Limerick FC matches. This will start in earnest with our home game against Athlone Town on Good Friday. There’s no doubt we will be the primary attraction in Limerick that evening, with full facilities of Thomond Park available to our fans. Please help us spread the word.

But focus on tonight first and getting behind the team, add the noise and colour that spurred them on so well in Inchicore last weekend and I’m sure we’ll leave Thomond Park with another positive result.

Enjoy the match, Pat O’Sullivan

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about things after that and it was a fantastic pass from Shane Duggan to find James McGrath who finished really well for the equaliser.

I think as a back five we looked solid. I thought young Shane Costelloe did great before he had to go off with injury, but when Patrick Nzuzi went in there it was still a solid unit. We start our defending from the front and it was a hard shift for Rory Gaffney up top. There was some pressure in the second half but our defence did

MANAGER’S NOTES Good evening and welcome back to Thomond Park for tonight’s game against one of my former clubs, Drogheda United.

We are back at home after two difficult league games on the road and hopefully we can bring those positive performances into this match. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Robbie Horgan, his players, backroom team, the officials and supporters of Drogheda United FC who have made the long trip south for the match. It’s Robbie’s first season in management and it has started very well for him, obviously with the big derby win over Dundalk and they still remain unbeaten. They have a good, strong squad and it will be a tough game for us. I’ve still got good friends up in Drogheda from my time there, which I enjoyed, and I look forward to catching up with some of them again.

Our opening match of the season saw us pick up a point against Bray Wanderers.

Unfortunately, we were on the end of a loss in Dundalk the following week but it was a performance that I was very pleased with and one that we could take a lot of confidence from. Dundalk finished second last season and last weekend we took on

the reigning champions Saint Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin, a game many of you would have seen live on TV. Looking back on that game, I was obviously really happy with how we played and the end result. I felt that the players definitely deserved to get something out of the game. They stuck to their task and I thought that the effort that they put in was fantastic.

They thoroughly deserved to get the point out of the game. We deserved to get something out of the Dundalk game as well, but that’s the cruel side of football. Last Saturday, the players got their rewards and all credit to them. Being champions, St. Pat’s were always going to have a spell in the game where they were on top. I felt the only time they had that spell was when they got the confidence after scoring early in the second half when we made an error. In the first half, we were very comfortable and I don’t think Barry Ryan made one save. They were on the ascendancy after their goal but that’s normal. Credit to our team for the way that they defended throughout that spell and I think the turning point came with Barry’s save from Chris Forrester. We managed to get back in

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well with everything that came their way, and even with the pressure that St. Pat’s had we looked comfortable. There were never any worrying times for us as a backroom team staff thinking that we had to go and change things around or do anything drastic. We always felt confident and assured that we wouldn’t lose any goals.

We are looking forward to tonight’s game now as we hope to build on that draw in Dublin. We’re starting to get a few players back in about the squad after injury and illness. One of those that has come back in is Barry Ryan who got a late call-up to the starting team last Saturday as Shane Cusack was feeling unwell before kick-off.

Barry had a couple of training sessions in the build-up to the game after missing all of our pre-season matches, but he did nothing like a game situation. To be called on at the last minute typifies the ability that he’s got and proves why he’s one of the top goalkeepers in the country.

This evening, we face Drogheda, who are classed as a Premier Division side; they have been in the top flight for years now.

They’ve got great experience of it and they know what it’s all about. But it’s not what other teams do, it’s what we do. I hope our supporters turn out in numbers and get behind the boys.

I know through the experience of last year that when they do turn up they are very vocal. That means a lot to the players, who made comments throughout last season about how much it spurs them on.

We’ll need the same off the supporters again.

The players have taken a lot of confidence from the game and result against St. Pat’s. We will now look to get our first league win of the season and also a victory over Drogheda, which we didn’t get last year. The odds were stacked against us with the penalties and red cards in the first meeting but we managed to get away with a point. We then lost the game down here. When we played them the last time in Drogheda we weren’t in a great place; the balance wasn’t there as it was before Samuel Oji came in. We let ourselves down that night. Hopefully, we can make up for that tonight. The passion will be there from the players to achieve their goal and I have no doubt it will be the same from the supporters. Make yourselves heard; hopefully, we will give you something good to shout about! Enjoy the game, Stuart Taylor

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CAPTAIN’S LOG VIEW FROM THE DRESSING-ROOM WITH HOMETOWN SKIPPER

Hello and welcome to Thomond Park for tonight’s visit of Drogheda United. We come into the game on the back of last weekend’s draw against Saint Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin. I felt that we put in a really disciplined performance to earn that point. We had a game-plan when we went up there and we stuck to it. I thought we passed the ball a lot better than in our previous two games. We have taken a lot of spirit out of last Saturday’s game. We know that we can build on that after performing at that level and we’re looking to up it a bit more in this evening’s game.

I felt that the St. Pat’s goal early in the second half came against the run of play. They had a 10-15 minute spell after that. In the first half, I thought we were the better team.

Barry Ryan didn’t have much to do in it; I don’t think he had a save to make. We were very disciplined in our shape, we weren’t caused any problems and we passed the ball around fairly well ourselves. Barry got a late call-up to the team but it’s great to have someone like Barry there. He’s a very experienced player; he has been there and done it.

He’s up there with the best goalkeepers in the league and it’s great to have that calibre of player to come in when Shane Cusack unfortunately felt unwell before kick-off. Barry’s quality was shown with the save from Chris Forrester which kept us in the game. I don’t think you will see too many better saves than that this season. Thankfully, we were able to build on that and get an equaliser. When I got the

ball early off Sami, I just had a look up and, to be fair to James McGrath, he made my mind up for me because he was pointing where he wanted it. It was an absolutely brilliant run by him. I tried to slip the ball into his path and lucky enough it came off.

It was an excellent run and a great finish

by James.

I feel like we are building on the first game of the season, where we weren’t at our best. It was still a clean-sheet and a draw and we knew we could improve on the performance. I wasn’t in Dundalk myself but the lads went up there and played very well. We seem to be building every week and it’s very encouraging. Hopefully, we can keep it going and get a win tonight. It’s natural that with each game you play the fitter you’re going to get. Pre-season games are not as high tempo as it is when it comes to the league. Match fitness will continue to come. This evening presents another important match for us as we look for our first win. It would be nice to get it here at Thomond Park. We want to make our home matches count and put as many points on the board as possible here.

It’s going to be a different game. Drogheda will be a bit more direct and more physical than St. Pat’s. But we have to adapt to that and we have the players in the squad to adapt. We’re all 100 percent committed to get the three points and we’re all very determined, so hopefully we can achieve our goal.

Unfortunately, the first game of the season didn’t go to plan for me as I got sent-

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CAPTAIN

off. I was counting down the days then to the St. Pat’s match as obviously I was suspended for the trip to Dundalk. I was really disappointed on the night of the Bray game. I just wanted to get back on the pitch because I knew we could play better as a team. In my first game as captain of the club, I didn’t fill myself in glory. But I really learned from my mistake that day. I couldn’t sleep for a couple of days after it and I just wanted to get back on the pitch last Saturday. I was happy to play my part against St. Pat’s and get the assist for the goal.

Everyone is going to work as hard as they can to get the three points tonight, but we know how tough it is going to be. Drogheda have started really well and go into the

game unbeaten, including their big derby win over Dundalk. In the last few years, it has been shown that anyone can beat anyone in this league. It’s still early days, we’re only three games in, so it will take a while for the division to take shape. Nobody is going to get carried away at this stage. We just have to worry about ourselves and concentrate on picking up points. We have already shown that we have the quality to take points off any team in this league.

The supporters can help us get our first win on the board so I hope to see a big crowd here tonight and hopefully we get the right result.

Enjoy the game, Shane Duggan

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SUPPORTERS

BE PART OF LIMERICK FC AND JOIN THE LIMERICK FC OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS’ CLUB Membership Available Now Adults €10, Family €20, Under-16s & Students €5 See our many benefits on www.limerickfc.ie/supportersclub Contact the OSC on 087-1862678 or e-mail: supportersclub@limerickfc.ie Or Why Don’t You Join Us After The Match in The Dugout Bar for Chat, Music and a Chance To Meet The Players Supporters’ Club Notes Members’ Membership Welcome Packs are ready for collection from The Dugout Bar before or after the match Bus to Bohemian FC vs Limerick FC on 11th April 2014 We are running a bus (subject to interest) to the above match.

Adults €15, Under-16s €10 (must be accompanied by an adult) Leaving Arthur’s Quay at 4pm If interested, phone 087-1862678

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GARY SPAIN One of my favourite quotes is from John Greenleaf Whittier. It is “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been’.” Two Drogheda United games spring to mind. In the last game of the 1993/94 season we were in Monaghan and needed Drogheda to win in Cobh for us to avoid the drop. We lost and it would have been academic anyway as so did Drogheda and they joined us in the First Division. They have subsequently seen a lot of success in recent years, including winning the league title and the FAI Cup. No doubt many sad words will have been written and will be written regarding the

DROGHEDA: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

score. The Drogheda defence battled on when the likes of Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie would have long since deserted. A midweek afternoon replay in Drogheda still seemed okay, particularly when Declan Hyde had us 1-0 up in the opening minute as the onslaught continued. Somehow, they survived until half-time. After the break, disaster struck as Drogheda scored twice in quick succession and a late third breakaway ended our cup dreams. 25 years on now, but it still hurts.

1988/89 was Billy Hamilton’s best season as manager. We finished third and had challenged for the title. Billy will always

“WE WERE RIDING HIGH IN THE PREMIER DIVISION AND HOSTED FIRST DIVISION DROGHEDA AT RATHBANE. TO SAY WE BATTERED THEM WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT”

Gary Spain looks back at the games we’d rather forget. closing moments of their UEFA Champions League tie in Kyiv. Shane Robinson hit a post and the ball rolled along the line.

Adam Hughes missed an open goal from six-yards. If either had gone in, they were through.

The damage in 1994 was done long before that fateful day in Monaghan, but the 1989 FAI Cup ties will haunt us forever.

We were riding high in the Premier Division and hosted First Division Drogheda at Rathbane. To say we battered them would be an understatement. I cannot recall a game in my 43 years watching Limerick where we were so dominant yet failed to

be fondly remembered and did a fine job.

However, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill mentioned on a recent visit to our club that he was in the frame for the job Billy got in January 1987. Indeed, he attended a game against Bray and many of us at the time thought he had the job.

Instead, Billy arrived and Martin ended up as manager of Grantham Town that summer. Of course we didn’t know then that he was to go on to be a top manager. We had great players in the late 80s. They included Tommy Lynch, Johnny Walsh, Joe and Peter Hanrahan, Declan Hyde, Peter Coyle etc. Imagine that squad managed by one of the greatest football managers around at the time – it might have been.

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ACADEMY Last weekend, Limerick FC Academy Under-12 players Jay O’Loughlin, Ryan Wallace-Hartnett, Kane Connolly and Patrick Nathan represented the LDSL Inter-League team against a Cork & Tipperary representative side at the University of Limerick. This week, we focus on Jay, a central defender who has this year worked under the guidance of coaches Colin Scanlan and Craig Madigan in the Academy, which he joined five years ago. “I joined the club in 2009 at Under-8 level,” Jay, who will turn 12 in July, said. “I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

I enjoy playing with my teammates and having a laugh at training. We have four coaches, Colin, Craig, Chris and Bob who

U16 Division One: Limerick v Aisling Annacotty C, Hogan Park, 12.30pm MONDAY 31 MARCH U11 Premier Division: Regional United v Limerick, Dooradoyle, 6.15pm U14 Division Two: Limerick B v Star Rovers, Hogan Park, 6.15pm

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JAY O’LOUGHLIN are all really helpful to us. My parents have helped me a lot to progress in football, supporting me, along with all of my teammates.”

Jay’s favourite Superblues player is midfielder Shane Tracy. He also supports Manchester United where Belgian-born winger Adnan Januzaj is his favourite player, and one day he hopes to play for his boyhood heroes. “I hope to get onto the Limerick senior team or onto the Manchester United squad,” he said. “It’s great to be training at LIT where the senior team are sometimes on the same pitch and training next to us.”

Upcoming Academy Fixtures (29 March – 5 April) SATURDAY 29 MARCH U12 Premier Division: Limerick v Aisling Annacotty, Hogan Park, 11am U12 Division Two: Regional United B v Limerick, Dooradoyle, 12.30pm U14 Division Two: Mungret Regional C v Limerick, Castlemungret, 11am

U12 Division Two: Limerick v Mungret Regional B, Hogan Park, 6.15pm FRIDAY 4 APRIL U13 Division One: Shannon Town v Limerick, St. Patrick’s Comp. School, 6.15pm U13 Division Two: Limerick B v Shelbourne, Hogan Park, 6.15pm U15 Premier Division: Aisling Annacotty v Limerick, Kilonan, 6.15pm SATURDAY 5 APRIL U10 Reds: Regional United 1 v Limerick 2, Dooradoyle, 1pm U10 Greens: Janesboro v Limerick 1, Pearse Stadium, 1pm U14 Division Two: Shelbourne v Limerick B, Shelbourne Park, 2.30pm U16 Division One: Limerick v Coonagh United, Hogan Park, 2.30pm

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WFAI LWSSL TAKE PART IN CAPITAL U18 INTER-LEAGUE BLITZ

The Limerick Women’s and Schoolgirls’ Soccer League (LWSSL) Under-18 Inter-League squad travelled to the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh last Saturday to participate in the inaugural WFAI U18 Inter-League blitz competition. On the day, the LWSSL were drawn in a group with Limerick Desmond, Cork WSSL and the Mayo League.

In their first game against Limerick Desmond, the LWSSL had the better of the play in the opening half, with Grainne O’Mahoney and Megan O’Brien both having chances. After the break, more opportunities came, the best of which was a superb passing move leading to a through-ball

by Rebecca Noonan for Aisling Regan who saw her effort from 25-yards come back off the upright. Late on, Clodagh Kirby fired just over as the game ended scoreless.

Next up were Cork WSSL in what proved

to be an excellent game of football. The LWSSL went ahead in the first half when Noonan scored a superb goal. Cork equalised three minutes later when a long ball over the back four allowed their striker to nip in and score. In the second half, ‘keeper Janet O’Carroll made a couple of brave saves. The LWSSL went close to a late winner but again the teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The final game came against the Mayo League. The LWSSL knew that a win was needed to qualify for the final while their opponents only required a draw. Ultimately, it was a game that provided little chances and the LWSSL were forced to settle for yet another draw. The competition was eventually won by the Metropolitan Girls’ League from Limerick after they defeated the Mayo League on penalties in the decider.

The LWSSL Committee would like to thank the WFAI for organising the competition and would also like to acknowledge and thank Limerick FC for their support and their commitment to women’s soccer. They would especially like to acknowledge and thank the contribution of Kieran Judge of Limerick FC. The LWSSL Committee would also like to acknowledge and thank the commitment of the players and the support of their parents and look forward to continued support as they prepare for the provincial U18 tournament which will take place during the summer. The LWSSL Committee would also like to acknowledge the work and commitment of the U18 LWSSL management team in preparing the squad.

Finally, a special mention to Aoife Hogan who could not travel to the tournament because of illness.

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AWARD LIMERICK FC WIN MATCHDAY MANAGEMENT TEAM OF THE YEAR

Limerick FC Win Matchday Management Team of the Year Limerick FC were delighted to receive the award for the Matchday Management Team of the Year for 2013 which was presented to the club at our opening league game of the season on Friday 7 March.

The award came after the club’s and Thomond Park’s proud handling of matches at the iconic venue throughout last season, which has been recognised by the Football Association of Ireland and many travelling supporters.

Presenting the award, SSE Airtricity League Director Fran Gavin said that the FAI were “extremely proud to have Limerick as a member” and that it was “great to see them back in their rightful place in the Premier Division”.

FAI Stadia and Security Officer Eddie Murray and FAI Chief Security Officer Joe McGlue were also full of praise for the work that the club puts into making matchdays run as smooth as possible, stating that the accolade is “not easily won”.

Limerick FC Event Controller Mick Murphy spoke on the club’s behalf and thanked all

those involved in winning the award, from the staff at Thomond Park, G4S, An Garda Síochána, the Civil Defence and the club’s staff and volunteers. Mick stated the club’s intention to retain the award in 2014.

Speaking at the presentation, Limerick FC Chairman Pat O’Sullivan said: “I would like to compliment the FAI on having such an award because it helps to keep standards.

You should always strive to do better.

“It’s a great compliment to everybody to win this award. The ethos we have is that when we do things we try to do them right.

It’s not always easy to get them right. We try to do things as best we can.

“Being at Thomond Park certainly makes it easier because we have wonderful facilities, but that should be an aspiration for every club – to have good facilities. That drives us as well. Our intention is to always do it right.

“It’s a great honour. This award is brilliant for everybody. It’s for everybody here who does things in a professional way. They don’t have to be told to do things – they’re always working to better standards. I’m really pleased for everyone.”

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INTERNATIONAL off a set-piece taken by Cian Kavanagh with an impressive header. Manning hit the post once more before the break with another free-kick from the edge of the box.

The final chance of the opening period fell to Saint Eunan’s starlet Chris Flanagan as his effort to double the Republic’s lead was just inches off the target.

FEENEY FEATURES FOR IRISH SCHOOLS IN CENTENARY SHIELD REPUBLIC SUFFER LATE DEFEAT Limerick FC midfielder Val Feeney featured as the Republic of Ireland U18 Schools International side were unfortunate to suffer an injury-time defeat by holders Northern Ireland in a Centenary Shield clash at Sligo’s Showgrounds on Saint Patrick’s Day. Northern Ireland’s Kris Lowe snatched the winner in the dying seconds following a penetrating run through the heart of the home defence.

The Republic had started well and were unfortunate not to open the scoring in the third minute when a Ryan Manning deadball effort rattled the upright. The North thought they had broken the deadlock through Corey McMullan just before the quarter-hour but the finish was ruled offside.

Manning duly found the net for the home side in the 39th minute when he finished

The visitors started the second half impressively and Ciarán Harkin was unfortunate to shoot just over with an impressive strike three minutes after the resumption.

Lowe tested Republic ‘keeper Jack Brady in the 50th minute and although Brady made a decent save the ball rebounded to Curtis Dempster to equalise from six-yards out. Shortly after, Northern Ireland stopper Kealan Mulcahy was forced into a decent save to deny Jamie McGrath after a dangerous run down the left flank.

Buncrana’s Georgie Kelly was unlucky not to head the Republic back in front on 70 minutes as his diving header just didn’t connect properly at the far post after good work from Feeney. Maxime Kouogum was solid in defence for Ollie Horgan’s side as the Northern Ireland onslaught continued. Mulcahy then produced a string of impressive saves late on to keep Northern Ireland in the hunt and it paid off as Lowe grabbed the dramatic late winner.

The Republic will have to dust themselves down following the heartbreaking defeat to their near neighbours and they take on England in Bristol tonight (7pm).

Republic of Ireland U18 Schools: Jack Brady, Aidan McCauley, Dylan Kavanagh, Maxime Kouogum, Chris Flanagan, Val Feeney, Craig Donnellan, Cian Kavanagh (Michael Brown 81), Jamie McGrath (Georgie Kelly 60), Jack Bayly (Darragh Black 66), Ryan Manning ©.

Report thanks to FAIS.ie.

PROUDLY SPONSOR SHAUN KELLY TO SPONSOR A PLAYER CONTACT: JOHN O’SULLIVAN TODAY! FOR DETAILS EMAIL johnos@limerickfc.ie OR CALL 085 80 161 05

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LI

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SHANE COSTELLOE

PLAYER POSTER

STATS

SQUADS DROGHEDA UNITED

ROBBIE HORGAN MANAGER

STUART TAYLOR MANAGER SHANE CUSACK SHAUN KELLY ROBBIE WILLIAMS RETIRED STEPHEN FOLAN DANNY GALBRAITH (c) SHANE DUGGAN RORY GAFFNEY (vc) CRAIG CURRAN SHANE TRACY PATRICK NZUZI BARRY RYAN MICHAEL LEAHY PRINCE AGYEMANG SHANE COSTELLOE BARRY SHEEDY DARRAGH RAINSFORD VAL FEENEY JAMES MCGRATH COLM MURPHY SAMUEL OJI TONY WHITEHEAD KIERAN HANLON SEÁN MCSWEENEY JASON HUGHES ROSS MANN NATHAN MURRAY SHANE WALSH PAUDIE O’CONNOR ALI ABASS

FINAL SCORE

GOALS 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 40

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DAVE RYAN MICHAEL DALY SHANE GRIMES PAUL ANDREWS ALAN MCNALLY PAUL CROWLEY CATHAL BRADY GAVAN HOLOHAN PHILIP HUGHES GARY O’NEILL GAVIN BRENNAN CIARÁN MCGUIGAN CARL WALSHE AUSTIN MCCANN MÍCHEÁL SCHLINGERMANN CIARÁN O’CONNOR DAIRE DOYLE DECLAN O’BRIEN SEÁN O’CONNOR ERIC FOLEY DYLAN CONNOLLY

CARDS

SUBSTITUTIONS

STARTING ELEVEN

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DROGHEDA UNITED

10 TAKE TEN: STEPHEN FOLAN Short Bio: Stephen Folan (born: 14 January 1992) is a central defender who joined Limerick ahead of the 2013 season. Folan attended Saint Joseph’s College in Galway and played schoolboy football with Mervue United, Galway Hibernians and Salthill Devon before moving to English club Newcastle United in July 2008. The progress of Folan – who has represented the Republic of Ireland at underage level – was hampered by injury. He returned to Ireland and signed for Stuart Taylor’s side, going on to appear in 36 (35 starts) of their 38 competitive games last term.

1) What do you eat for breakfast?

Porridge and honey

what would it be and what would you call it? A Tyrannosaurus Rex called Tiny

2) What was your favourite cartoon as a child? The Simpsons

7) Which one of your teammates would you least like to be stuck in a lift with?

Shaun Kelly – his breath stinks!

3) If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to play you?

Leonardo DiCaprio

8) If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to? Gary Traynor

4) If you could have one superpower, what would it be? To be invisible

9) If you had to do karaoke, what one song would you sing? A Kiss From A Rose – Seal

5) Which one of your teammates spends the most time in front of the mirror?

Oji

10) If you could have dinner with three people – real or fictional – who would you invite? Rihanna, Beyonce and Kim Kardashian.

6) If you could have any pet in the world

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PREMIER LEAGUE James McGrath struck a 77th-minute equaliser as Limerick secured a valuable point against reigning champions Saint Patrick’s Athletic in a 1-1 draw at Richmond Park last Saturday afternoon, as they battled back from Christy Fagan’s opener.

It was a first half that had very little noteworthy action. The height of it was Conor McCormack’s penalty shout and Shane Duggan’s strike from distance that flew narrowly wide. But five minutes into the second half, the Saints broke the deadlock when Christopher Forrester’s flick found Fagan in behind and he blasted past Barry Ryan. Forrester thought he had doubled his side’s lead on 65 minutes when his

when McCormack went down following McGrath’s challenge in the box, but referee Tom Connolly waved away the protests. Limerick went close on 24 minutes when Duggan got a sight of goal around 25-yards out and he hit a shot that flashed just past Clarke’s left-hand upright, in what was to be the only effort of note on goal in the opening period.

But St. Pat’s took the lead early in the second half when Forrester’s quick thinking put Fagan in behind the Limerick defence and he finished with a powerful strike past the helpless Ryan. The visitors tried to reply and Jason Hughes had a strike from distance that went over, before Byrne’s

SUPERBLUES MAKE A POINT IN THE CAPITAL 25-yard strike looked destined for the top corner until Ryan produced an amazing fingertip save to put it over.

With a quarter-of-an-hour left, St. Pat’s went close again when Mark Quigley rose to meet Conan Byrne’s corner but his header hit the top of the crossbar and went over. Incredibly, just seconds later, Duggan played a great pass for McGrath to latch onto and he finished with extreme cool past the out-rushing Brendan Clarke.

James Chambers had a header tipped over late on and Forrester’s shot deep in injury-time was pushed wide as Limerick held firm for a point.

After a very quiet opening to the game, there was a loud penalty shout from the hosts before the midway point of the half

cross at the other end was just too high for Fagan at the back post. Past the hour, Ian Bermingham’s cross was met by Fagan whose header was straight at Ryan as the home side looked for a second goal. They thought they had it shortly after but Forrester’s strike was tipped over by a wonder save from the Limerick ‘keeper.

On 75 minutes, Quigley saw his header from a corner hit the crossbar. And just moments later, Limerick were level when Duggan put McGrath in behind and he finished coolly past Clarke. Six minutes from time, Chambers’ header from another Saints corner was tipped over by Ryan, and then the ‘keeper got down to turn Forrester’s shot around the post close to the death as Limerick secured a fine point.

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ST. PATRICK’S

Limerick FC were delighted to partake in the recent Saint Patrick’s Day parade which was a great occasion for the city. A lot of work went into making the club a part of the occasion and we wish to thank everybody who played their part in making it happen.

First-team manager Stuart Taylor and his players were among those in attendance at the annual event, which saw an estimated 60,000 people take to the streets of limerick.

PHOTOGRAPHS - Courtesy of Munster Images.

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U19’S SUPERBLUES MISS OUT BUT BARRETT ENCOURAGED NO PROMOTION BUT THE SIGNS ARE BRIGHT limerick Under-19 manager Tommy Barrett says there are “encouraging signs” ahead of next season, after his team concluded their Promotion Playoff Group with a 3-2 win over Mervue United at Fahy’s Field last Thursday week.

play thereafter. They broke the deadlock on 37 minutes with a spot-kick of their own which was expertly dispatched to the net by Shane Walsh, who again put in an eye-catching performance.

That saw them end their ‘AT THE END OF THE DAY, OUR GOAL IN campaign with six points THIS CLUB IS TO PRODUCE PLAYERS AT from six games, those coming through two wins UNDER-19 LEVEL FOR THE FIRST TEAM over their Galway oppoAND THAT HAS CERTAINLY HAPPENED”. nents. But with three of their four losses coming by one-goal margins, and a number of their more senior players missing for the It was a night when Cian O’Donoghue duration of the group due to first-team in- captained the side on his final outing at volvement, Barrett says there is plenty of this level, and Limerick doubled their adhope for the future. vantage before the break when Paudie O’Connor rose to connect with a good corIn Mervue, the young Superblues got off to ner delivery from Seán McSweeney. Howthe worst possible start when they conced- ever, into the second half, from nowhere, ed a penalty inside a minute but Nathan Mervue levelled the game with two goals Murray produced a fine save from Padraic in as many minutes. The first came on 57 Cunningham to keep the game scoreless. minutes from a long kick-out which was Murray was called into action again soon carried by the wind, with the hosts hitting after and once more was equal to the task the post with an effort. From the resulting with another good stop. Limerick built on corner, Cunningham finished well with a those saves and dominated much of the volley.

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U19’S

Moments later, it was 2-2 when a mistake at the back gifted Mervue a chance and they made no mistake as substitute Andrew Connolly fired past Murray. The Limerick No1 then tipped Cunningham’s shot onto the crossbar. Limerick, though, were soon back in front when a mistake from the home side allowed Ross Mann in and the young forward – who scored twice against Mervue the previous week – added to his tally against the Galway side. Barrett’s team comfortably saw out the remaining 25 minutes and afterwards the boss was pleased with their showing, particularly that of 16-year-old Jack Lynch in midfield.

“We have a good group coming through and some very good players who were born in 1998. That is also good with a view to the proposed Under-17 League. Everyone on the squad for the Mervue game, bar Cian and Nathan, are with us again next season. Jack Lynch made his first start and put in a great performance. Shane Walsh was in there with him and was very good again. Everyone played well, to be fair. The three boys led the line well. It was Cian’s last game for us and he captained the team and did very well. I want to mention Paul O’Leary as well. He came in and played a couple of games in the playoffs when we needed him and he was great for us.

“I was happy overall with the performance,” Tommy said. “We just need to cut out the mistakes but the boys know that themselves. We’ve beaten Mervue in all five meetings this season and it’s a sickener to lose the Southern Division title on a technicality. It’s even worse when the player in question was signed to the club and had played with us last season. But we look forward to next season and there are encouraging signs. We know what type of players we need to bring in.

“Looking forward, it all bodes well. We have a number of players who have two years left at this level and some who have three. At the end of the day, our goal in this club is to produce players at Under-19 level for the first team and that has certainly happened, with the likes of Tony Whitehead, James McGrath, Shane Costelloe, Val Feeney, Colm Murphy and Kieran Hanlon all part of Stuart’s squad at the moment.”

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TABLES AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PL

GD

PTS

1

Shamrock Rovers

3

5

7

2

Cork City

3

3

7

3

Dundalk

3

-1

6

4

Drogheda United

3

3

5

5

St. Patrick’s Athletic

3

1

5

6

Bohemians

3

1

4

7

Bray Wanderers

3

-1

4

8

Sligo Rovers

3

-1

3

9

U.C.D

3

-3

3

10

Derry City

3

-1

2

11

Limerick FC

3

-1

2

12

Athlone Town

3

-5

0

CURRENT FORM 11

Limerick FC

D LLD

4

Drogheda United

WWDD NEXT GAME - 04/04/14

UCD

V

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Limerick FC

FIXTURES AIRTRICITY LEAGUE DATE

FIXTURE

RESULT

1

Fri 7th March 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Bray Wanderers

0-0

2

Fri 14th March 7.45

Dundalk - v - Limerick FC

2-1

3

Sat 22nd March 3.15

St. Patrick’s Athletic - v - Limerick FC

1-1

4

Fri 28th March 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Drogheda Utd

5

Fri 4th April 7.45

U.C.D - v - Limerick FC

6

TBC

Limerick FC - v - Cork City

7

Fri 11th April 7.45

Bohemians - v - Limerick FC

8

Fri 18th April 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Athlone Town

9

Mon 21st April 7.45

Derry City - v - Limerick FC

10

Fri 25th April 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Sligo Rovers

11

Fri 2nd May 8.00

Shamrock Rovers - v - Limerick FC

12

Fri 9th May 7.45

Bray Wanderers - v - Limerick FC

13

Fri 16th May 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Dundalk

14

Fri 23rd May 7.45

Limerick FC - v - St. Patrick’s Athletic

15

Fri 30th May 7.45

Drogheda Utd - v - Limerick FC

Powering Live Football

full fixtures @ limerickfc.ie

#lovelivefootball - 38 -

OPPOSITION DROGHEDA UNITED FC Founded: 1962 Home Ground: United Park Last Season: 8th / 12 Honours: Premier Division: 1 (2007), First Division: 3 (1988/89, 1990/91, 2001/02), FAI Cup: 1 (2005), League Cup: 2 (1983/84, 2012), Setanta Sports Cup: 2 (2006, 2007) Last Five Seasons: 2013: Premier Division: 8th / 12 2012: Premier Division: 2nd / 11 2011: Premier Division: 9th / 10 2010: Premier Division: 10th / 10 2009: Premier Division: 9th / 10

Special Olympics: Fire Walk Launch.

Photo: Keith Wiseman

letic, but from there they went on a tenmatch unbeaten run which included just three wins. All seven of the draws in that sequence saw both sides score. Over the next 11 games, Drogheda achieved just one win, in a run that included six defeats, before a three-match winning streak in August killed off any danger of relegation.

Manager Profile – Robbie Horgan A former goalkeeper, Robbie Horgan started his career at Shamrock Rovers, making his debut in 1987 and was the last goalkeeper to play for Rovers at Glenmalure Park. He returned to Shamrock Rovers in 1994 where he spent another eight years,

OPPOSITION WATCH AN EYE ON BOYNESIDE

Overview Tonight’s opponents Drogheda United are beginning a new era this season with the appointment of Robbie Horgan to the position of first-team manager. The Boynesiders enjoyed a fine season in 2013 under Mick Cooke – to whom Horgan was assistant – as they reached the FAI Ford Cup, EA Sports Cup and Setanta Sports Cup finals. Unfortunately, they were beaten in all three, the latter being particularly cruel as they suffered a late 3-2 defeat by Sligo Rovers in a thrilling decider at the Aviva Stadium back in November. In their other two finals, they were beaten by Shamrock Rovers.

Their league form was mixed. On the opening day, they lost by a single goal at the would-be champions Saint Patrick’s Ath-

before playing with Dublin City, Monaghan United and in 2007 Saint Patrick’s Athletic, where he was goalkeeping coach/player. At Sporting Fingal, he was promoted to assistant manager shortly before their demise.

He took up the assistant manager position at Drogheda in 2011 and was appointed first-team manager last November.

One To Watch – Stephen Maher Stephen Maher was among the Saint Patrick’s Athletic squad that won the Premier Division title last season. Dublin-born Maher spent time at Home Farm, Cherry Orchard, Shelbourne and Dublin City, where he gained his first taste of League of Ireland football. In 2006, he signed a two-year professional deal with Yeovil Town before being released After Monaghan United, returns to Dundalk and St. Pat’s, he will now hope to reignite his career on Boyneside.

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GET CLOSER TO THE

ACTION! FOLLOW LIMERICK FC ALL THE WAYS THAT YOU CAN! - 41 -

GROUND REGULATIONS

ALL PERSONS ENTERING THIS STADIUM ARE ADMITTED ONLY SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING GROUND REGULATIONS AND RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CLUB. ENTRY TO THE STADIUM SHALL BE DEEMED TO CONSTITUTE UNQUALIFIED ACCEPTANCE OF ALL THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS. All personnel entering this stadium are admitted only subject to the fol-

The climbing of floodlight pylons, stands or other buildings in the stadi-

lowing Stadium Regulations and to the Rules and Regulations of the Irish

um is forbidden. CCTV equipment is in use at the stadium and Thomond

Rugby Football Union. Entry to the stadium shall constituteunqualified ac-

Park Stadium Company may itself use, or pass to An Garda Síochána or any

ceptance of all these Rules and Regulations.

event organiser or other relevant authority, any recordings for use in any

Thomond Park Stadium Company Ltd. reserves the right to reschedule the

proceedings. Unnecessary noise such as that from the use of radio sets and

event without notice and without any liability whatsoever.

behaviours likely to cause confusion or nuisance of any kind,

Thomond Park Stadium Company. Excludes to the maximum extent per-

including foul or abusive language, is NOT permitted in any part of the

mitted by law any liability for loss, injury or damage to persons/property in

stadium. Thomond Park Stadium may impose a ban from the ground as a

or around the stadium.

result.

In the event of a postponement or abandonment of the Event,refunds (if

The following acts are offences: Racial, homophobic or discriminatory

any) should be claimed in accordance with the relevant ticket terms and

abuse. Throwing of any object within the ground without lawful authority

conditions. Thomond Park Stadium will have NOother liability whatsoever,

or excuse. The chanting of anything of an indecent, discriminatory or ra-

including (but NOT limited to) any indirect or consequential loss or dam-

cialist nature. The entry onto the playing area or any other area to which

age, such as (but NOT limited to) loss of enjoyment or travel costs. All

spectators are NOT generally admitted without lawful authority or excuse.

persons seeking entrance to the event acknowledge ThomondParks Stadi-

Any person who fails to comply with the instructions from a steward, an of-

um’s right to search any person whether outside or inside the stadium and

ficer of Thomond Park Stadium Company or a member of An Garda Síochá-

refuse entry to or eject from the stadium any person refusing to submit to

na may be ejected from the stadium.

such a search.

Any person who has entered any part of the stadium designated for the use

All persons entering the event may only occupy the seat allocated to them

of any group of supporters to which they do NOT belong may be ejected

by their ticket and must not move from one part of the stadium to anoth-

from the stadium for the purposes of their own safety or any other reason.

er without the express permission or instruction of any steward, office of

In general the right of admission is reserved to the Stadium

Thomond Park Stadium Company. and /or any Garda Officer.

Management. The Stadium Management reserves the right to refuse ad-

Tickets are NOT transferable and may NOT be offered for sale without the

mission or eject any person who refuses to be searched by a member of

prior written permission of Thomond Park Stadium. Any tickets offered for

an Garda Siochana. Any person who remains in a gangway may be ejected

sale may be confiscated by any steward, officer of Thomond Park Stadium

from the stadium. Smoking in NON smoking areas is strictly forbidden.

or any Garda.

NO person (other than those who hold an appropriate licence) may bring

Fireworks, smoke canisters, bottles, glasses, cans, flags, banners, poles and

into the ground or use within the ground any equipment which iscapable

other similar articles or containers, including anything which could or

of recording or transmitting (by digital or other means) any audio, visu-

might be used as a weapon, are NOT permitted within the stadium, and any

al, or audio-visual material or any other information or data in relation

person in possession of such an article or container may be refused entry

to the event or the stadium. Copyright in any unauthorised recording or

or ejected from the stadium.

transmission is assigned (by way of present assignment of future copyright

The consumption of intoxicating liquors is permitted only in authorized

pursuant of the Copyright and Related Rights Act2000) to Thomond Park

areas and spectators are NOT permitted to bring alcohol into the arena.

Stadium Company.

Plastic glasses will be used in all but the hospitality area in the East Stand.

Thomond Park Stadium Company/event promoters reserve the right for its

Persons may be required to show identification in order to prevent under-

servants or agents to remove from the stadium any person who

age drinking. All bars are to be operated in accordance with the provisions

does NOT comply with the Stadium Regulations or whose presence on the

of the liquor licensing act.zz

stadium could reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger,

NO goods (including literature) of any nature may be offered either free

nuisance or annoyance to other spectators. This could lead to further ac-

or for sale by any person within the stadium without the express written

tion including , but NOT limited to, a ban from the stadium or proceedings

permission of Thomond Park Stadium Company.

being taken.

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ERIC M K LI

1937

2014 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - PLAYER SPONSORSHIP - GROUND SIGNAGE / TV AND NON TV SIDES -PROGRAMME ADVERTISING - MATCH SPONSORSHIP FOR DETAILS EMAIL johnos@limerickfc.ie OR CALL 085 80 161 05