First-Team Programme: Limerick v Dundalk, 16 May 2014

LI

MERICK

OFFICIAL YEARBOOK 2014

SSE Airtricity Premier League. Thomond Park, Friday May 16th, 2014 Issue 5

1937

VERSUS DUNDALK

€4

greenhegroupt

-1 -

SPONSORS MATCH SPONSOR

MAN OF THE MATCH

MATCH BALL

Raheen

061 225225

Rathkeale 069 64300

www.briangeary.ie

-2-

OFFICIALS

REFEREE NEIL DOYLE ASSISTANT WAYNE MC DONNELL ASSISTANT RALPH PIEPER 4TH OFFICIAL TBC

CHAIRMAN’S NOTES I’d like to offer a very warm welcome to you all to tonight’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match where we welcome Dundalk FC to Thomond Park. I’d particularly like to welcome the Dundalk FC officials and supporters, as well as Stephen Kenny, his players and backroom staff. Dundalk were something of a surprise package last season and they’ve shown that it was far from a flash in the pan as they’ve continued that good form into this season, right in contention at the top of the table.

This is the start of a vital week for the club as we face home fixtures against Dundalk, Cork City in a rescheduled match and Saint Patrick’s Athletic over seven days. Up to this point in the season, I’ve seen it commented that we’ve been playing better away from home than at Thomond Park but as we kick off the first home fixture in the second series of matches, I hope to see our supporters speaking with excitement, brought about by good football and positive results. With our special offer of these three games over the week for the price of two, I think we’ve shown great consideration to our supporters in what might have otherwise been an expensive week.

Thanks to all those who purchased the ticket bundle and we hope to have three good games that will entertain you.

This week, a collection of photos of the current work in the Market’s Field that Gary Spain posted online was brought to my attention. The club were invited, along with the FAI, by the LEDP recently to review the ongoing work and the outline plans. In what was a very positive meeting, we all got to walk the pitch, which was impressive for a surface so young and we spoke on the current progress and future plans. The LEDP have committed to involving the club and the FAI in the design team meetings which are due to start soon; this will allow the club to give an input into the final, detailed plans. The LEDP

were complimentary of our Official Supporters Club, who have visited the site, for the feedback and ideas that they have put forward and aspects of which will be factored into the new design team’s brief. Of course, we have to be mindful that the site has a fixed budget and there will be a phased approach to the development of what we hope will be a stadium of which we can all be proud.

Work continues to take place in Bruff as we build relationships and reputations in the project which is undoubtedly the biggest and most ambitious project in football in the country; possibly across any code in the country. We’re pleased that other sports and codes are also showing a willingness to come to the table to ensure that Bruff is a Sporting Centre, not just a footballing one. We are again hugely appreciative of the goodwill and support we are receiving from the people of Bruff and the region; it’s hugely heartening to be welcomed so openly and in such a positive and supportive environment as we undertake a project of this magnitude.

We look forward to welcoming Bohemian FC to Thomond Park in the second round of the FAI Cup. There are some huge fixtures this early in the competition and with the way the draw progressed we’re guaranteed to see some Premier Division rivals eliminated. It’s a real opportunity for us to build some momentum back in our season. Finally, as I write this, our kitman John Collins, a central figure in the club and someone who has been a huge positive influence for us, lies ill in hospital. No-one who’s interacted with John in any capacity could doubt his commitment and dedication to the club. The thoughts of every person in the club are with John as we pray for him to make a speedy recovery.

Enjoy the game, Pat O’Sullivan

-3 -

MANAGER’S NOTES Good evening and welcome back to Thomond Park for the beginning of a busy week for us with Dundalk, Cork City and Saint Patrick’s Athletic all set to visit over the next seven days. I’d like to welcome Stephen Kenny, his players, backroom staff, the officials and supporters of Dundalk FC who have made the long trip south for this game, where we hope we can continue our good record against the County Louth side.

We will be looking to take the positives out of last week’s performance in Bray. We were bitterly disappointed afterwards that we didn’t get what we deserved. It totally went against what I believe, which is if you put the right performance in the majority of the time you get the right result. It certainly didn’t happen last Friday at the Carlisle Grounds. But we’ve got to take the lessons from that and look at what we need to improve on. We’re still on that learning curve. We’re in our second season back in the Premier Division and we did say before the campaign started that the second season would be the hardest for us. I think there have been quite a lot of different factors that have gone against us so far.

But we’re not going to be negative and

we’re not going to be looking for excuses.

In the last two weeks, against Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers, the performances have been great. We just need to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal. We need a little bit more luck in front of goal too and we’ll be going up that league as quickly as we can.

We have certainly worked on our weaknesses from last year where we were losing too many goals. We’ve been working on that side of the game, to concede less, but coming with that we’ve obviously not scored as many as we did last year. We have a different frontline which has an effect on that. Without going into it again, we’re starting to get everybody back from injury, so hopefully that will have a positive effect on our results in the coming weeks. It was disappointing for our fivematch unbeaten on the road to end last weekend; all things must come to an end and it’s a shame that it happened and in the manner that it did. We’ll pick ourselves back up and start afresh. We are coming into three home games now and we want maximum points. They’re going to be very, very difficult matches. We’re playing

-4-

against three of the more in-form sides in the league. But we don’t fear that. We went to Shamrock Rovers two weeks ago and put in a very good account of ourselves.

The boys are looking forward to tonight’s game, playing in front of our home support and hopefully getting the right result with that.

There are no easy games in this league.

Whether we’re playing St. Pat’s who are at the top of the league or Athlone Town who are at the bottom. It doesn’t make a difference in terms of more pressure or less pressure. It’s a game of football that we want to go and win. It’s a game of football that we want to go and impress in and

ence in the game and we went and got the late goals that managed to get us the three points. We took a total of seven points out of nine against them last term and we were unlucky not to get a point from them back in March. We had a very young side out, averaging just 21 years. We had a lot of our younger players playing, we went a goal ahead and then we lost to two easy goals. That is something that we’ve learnt from. That is part of the learning curve and part of the development of us as a club and as players. The most important thing out of making mistakes is that you learn your lessons. We’ll just make sure that we keep working away and strive to get the right results.

“THERE IS A LOT OF PRESSURE ON DUNDALK WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT THEY’VE SPENT THEY’VE GOT TO WIN SOMETHING. THAT PRESSURE IS EVEN BIGGER HAVING LOST LAST SATURDAY” come away with the three points. We’ll go out with a game-plan with a view to winning every game. Our home form is something we want to improve on; we want to make Thomond Park a very difficult place to come to and a really, really tough game.

I think that teams know that they’re in for a tough game whether they play us at home or away. We’re looking forward to these three home games and getting supporters through the gates and behind the boys once again.

One of the most exciting games in Thomond Park last season was when Dundalk came to visit in June, where we came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. We had everybody fit and well in that game. Again, it was one where the supporters had a massive influ-

Dundalk lost the Setanta Sports Cup final last weekend to Sligo Rovers but I think their players will be up for this game as they look to bounce back. There is a lot of pressure on Dundalk with the amount of money that they’ve spent – they’ve got to win something given the budget at their disposal. That pressure is even bigger having lost last Saturday. They have got a lot of experienced and top-quality players in their dressing-room and they will be expected to win silverware. There will be no complacency there; they know it will be a difficult game this evening. We’ll go and do our best to get three points out of the game. Again, your support can help us to achieve that, so get behind the boys and make yourselves heard!

Enjoy the game, Stuart Taylor.

-5 -

SHANE TRACY VIEW FROM THE DRESSING-ROOM WITH HOMETOWN MIDFIELDER

Hello and welcome back to Thomond Park for tonight’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game against Dundalk. This is the beginning of a big week for us as Cork City and Saint Patrick’s Athletic quickly follow here at home. They are three very difficult games but we will enter them with confidence and hopefully get our home form on track, having been very solid on the road this season.

Looking back at the Shamrock Rovers game a fortnight ago, it was a disappointing end to the game but we took the many positives from a good team performance.

In the first half, we were excellent. After the break, it was similar although we sat back a small bit because we had the lead and we didn’t really have to go for it. I don’t think they created too much. Sami

It’s still early in the cam“DEFENSIVELY, WE HAVE BEEN VERY paign but the table doesn’t GOOD. WE JUST NEED TO START lie. You are where you deserve to be, at the end of SCORING MORE GOALS. IF WE CAN the day. If you’re not scoring TURN CHANCES INTO GOALS THEN goals then you’re not going to win games. There is IT CAN TURN FOR US” still a long way to go with two-thirds of the season left. That is a lot of points to play for. If we and Stephen were excellent again at the had won in Bray last Friday we could have back, as were Robbie and Shaun at fullpushed right up to halfway. You saw that back. It was unfortunate to get the penalty Bray jumped to fifth by winning but they given against us and for them to get the are still just five points above us and we rebound. I went into goals for the penalty have a game in hand on them. There will after Barry was sent-off. As a kid growing be plenty of twists and turns along the up, I used to go in goals a bit and try to way. One real positive has been our de- save penalties, I fancied myself to save it fensive performances. The boys have been so I put myself forward. It was a similar sitexcellent and that’s a big part of the game. uation for Seán O’Connor to the one I faced Barry Ryan, Shane Cusack when he has against Athlone Town here on Good Friday filled in, Samuel Oji, Stephen Folan, Shaun where I was taking a penalty against an Kelly and Robbie Williams have all done outfield player. It did change my mindset very well. We’ve had a lot of injuries in the slightly; it made me think it was a small forward ranks, which has been tough. It’s bit easier to score. I thought all I had to do just about getting everybody fit and avail- was put it in the corner and he wouldn’t able and hopefully we can get it right in have got there. That was obviously a misfront of goal and push on. take – I should have approached it in the

-6-

--7 07--

same way. It was disappointing for me to save it and Rovers still got the rebound – I don’t know if I would have preferred him to put it into the top corner! It was a real sickener, to be fair.

Going into Bray last week, it wasn’t hard to pick ourselves up from that, because it was a good performance. At the end of the day, it was a draw in Tallaght. They were only two points off the top at the time. I think we outplayed them in the first half and all we could really do was take positives out of it. Obviously in the end, with the way things went, it was a bit of a downer but there were a lot of good things to take out of it. We dominated the majority of the game in Bray and it was disappointing again to concede a late goal. But that’s football. If they had battered us and we nicked it at the end we would be delighted. That’s the way it goes. Defensively, we have been very good. We just need to start scoring more goals. If we can turn chances into goals then it can turn for us. It was the same in Bray – if we had taken one of the chances and gone ahead it would have been a totally different game. I don’t think we had lots of chances but we had two or three certainly. If we took one of those, they would have had to come out, whereas they sat in and soaked up the pressure.

The last time we went up to Dundalk back in March, we had a lot of young players in a team whose average age was 21. That’s largely unheard of in a top-flight League of Ireland game. We scored an early goal; the first goal is always important, but unfortunately they came back to win. They’re a good side, they have a huge squad and a massive budget. They’re right up there at the top of the league, they’re flying, but that is what you want to be playing against. You want to challenge yourself against players like that – the best players in Ireland. We’ll approach the game in the right manner, we’ll have a game-plan and we’ll look to go and win it. Dundalk

are coming into this game on the back of a Cup final defeat. Any time you lose a Cup final, it’s not good. It’s a big occasion; mentally you’re getting yourself up for the game so that might drain them a small bit.

The pitch was very heavy; the conditions were terrible on the day, so they may be feeling it a bit. But we can only look after ourselves. We know we’re a good team, we just have to keep going and hopefully we can begin this big week in the perfect way.

Enjoy the game, Shane Tracy

-8-

--9 09--

UNDER 19

MANN ON A MISSION Ross Mann on his steady progress for club and country With two goals in just eight minutes after entering from the bench, young forward Ross Mann certainly made an impression on his competitive first-team debut last month. And, having subsequently made five Premier Division appearances including a full top-flight bow in Derry, he is hoping that there are “many more to come” in the weeks and months ahead.

The Kilcornan native was with his hometown club for ten years before making the move to Limerick, where he has steadily progressed in the Under-19 system over the past two seasons. Always an attacking threat, he has contributed a number of

goals and assists, including eight strikes as the young Superblues missed out on promotion through the playoff series in the season just passed.

Mann was involved in first-team training last term and he was called up by Stuart Taylor for their pre-season training camp in Spain in February, playing a part in the game against Amorebieta. He cemented his place in the manager’s mind with his eye-catching contribution in the Munster Senior Cup semi-final against Rockmount five weeks ago, scoring twice as Limerick came from behind to seal a place in the decider.

- 10 -

--11 11 --

UNDER 19 for Limerick and hopefully there are many more to come.”

“IT WAS A GREAT FEELING PLAYING MY FIRST COMPETITIVE GAMES FOR LIMERICK AND HOPEFULLY THERE ARE MANY MORE TO COME” “I played with Kilcornan from when I was six until I signed for Limerick,” Ross explained. “I felt it gave me a great platform because when I was with Kilcornan we weren’t short of winning trophies so it gave me that winning mentality. I was scouted from Kilcornan and came in on trial for a month with Limerick two years ago. I’ve loved every minute since I joined the club. The training side of things is outstanding. In every training session, you learn something new and that’s down to the coaches involved in the club.”

Mann says he has improved in many areas since signing, with the 18-year-old noting the step-up that is required when moving into the senior squad. “Certainly since I joined the club I’ve improved as a player,” he said. “Nearly every aspect of the game I’ve become better at. The trip to Spain was a great experience and very professional. I was delighted when I got the call to go to Bilbao and I really enjoyed the whole experience. The tempo in training is much faster and physical in the first team.

There is no time to relax; you always have to be on your feet and thinking of what you’re going to do next with the ball. I was delighted to bag two goals against Rockmount who were a very physical side, and then obviously I was really happy with my debut against Athlone from the bench and my first start in Derry. It was a great feeling playing my first competitive games

Asked of his hopes for the immediate future, Ross added: “I hope to cement my place in the first-team squad for the rest of the season and hopefully I can get plenty of more game-time in the months ahead.”

Indeed, it is not only at senior level where he has gained recognition, with an Under-18 cap against Wales arriving in February, and it was one that had extra icing as he grabbed a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win. “It was a great honour for me to play for my country and I loved every minute of it. I was delighted to score on my debut because it made the weekend even more special.

“It was an all-round excellent weekend and I really enjoyed myself. The experience was something else and I’ll remember it for a long time to come. I thought it was a very enjoyable experience and it was something that I’ll cherish for a long time. I’d love to get the chance to do it again some time in the future. I got a taste of what it’s like to play for my country and hopefully I can bring some of the professionalism from the International regime back to the club.

“The Wales game was unbelievable. The whole night was really enjoyable and it felt great to be able to help Ireland to the win. It was a bit of a shame that we couldn’t play it out to the end due to the floodlight failure though.” Asked what it meant to him to represent his country, Mann concluded: “It means everything to me, to get to such a high level in a sport I care so much about is a really satisfying feeling. I can’t even describe how I felt when I scored the goal. It was something I’ll look back on fondly for the rest of my life and I’m proud to have represented my country so well.”

- 12 -

--13 13 --

FEATURE JASON HUGHES ON FAMOUS DUNDALK NIGHT

The then 17-year-old remembers evening Dundalk’s Premier Division exile ended Jason Hughes was just about to turn 11 when Dundalk’s long exile from the Premier Division began in 2002, seven days after they had won their ninth FAI Cup. Six years later and Limerick’s bright young talent played a key role as the Lilywhites made their long-awaited return to the top flight.

On the final night of the 2008 First Division season, Dundalk entered trailing Shelbourne by a point, with top spot being the only route to promotion that year. Dundalk had their business done by the hour mark, leading 3-0 at Kildare County, where they eventually went on to win 6-1. At Tolka Park, meanwhile, Shels eventually broke the deadlock through Anto Flood in the second half to put Dermot Keely’s side on course for the league title. That was until Colin Scanlan popped up deep in injury-time to snatch an incredible equaliser that sent John Gill’s Dundalk up instead.

own game.” Asked if they had celebrated afterwards, as rumours had it, Hughes added: “We only drew 1-1 so we weren’t celebrating, but there’s always that bit of hate when you’re playing against Shelbourne!”

For Dundalk, it ended a seven-year itch for a

“IT WAS ONE OF MY CRAZIEST NIGHTS IN FOOTBALL. I’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THAT WHERE FANS WERE TRYING TO HIT PLAYERS”

Indeed, it was a season where Limerick had defeated the County Louth team three times in four meetings. But that record was quickly forgotten about as Hughes and his teammates stunned Shels with virtually the last kick of the campaign. Recalling his side’s mentality entering a game where they had nothing to play for, Jay said: “You want to win every game you go into. No player or team will go out and try to lose on purpose or not try hard. You obviously want to win and that’s the way we went about it all season. We just went out and played our

return to the Premier Division and they have made steady progress to become genuine title challengers over the past year. Limerick would have to wait a further four years for their overdue promotion. But for Hughes, that 2008 night will remain unforgettable given the scenes at the final whistle. “Shelbourne had a big crowd in the stadium,” the now 23-year-old recalled, “and I remember when they scored their fans were singing ‘Shels are going up’. In injury-time, we scored that goal and the place just erupted. After the game, a lot of their fans ran on the pitch and the Gardaí and stewards had to try to get the players off the field. There were fans trying to hit me and all. It was mad.

I’ll never forget it. It was one of my craziest nights in football. I’ve never experienced anything like that in football where fans were trying to hit players.”

- 14 -

7 Upper William Street, Limerick.

• Keys cut to code and pattern • Car Keys cut to Car Locks • Transponder Car Keys cut • Car Keys programmed on site – no towing involved • Car Remotes • Yale type locks for Munster Joinery Doors • All types of locks supplied and fitted • Aluminium door locks • 24 Hour Call Out Service – Domestic, Commercial & Automotive Tel 061-414173 Fax 061-313231 email : sales@ryanslocksmiths.com

--15 15 --

LWSSL

Recent Results Div. 1 29 April Murroe 2-1 Bruff 06 May Caherdavin Celtic 1-4 Murroe 08 May Bruff United 1-9 Lifford Div. 2A 01 May Cullen Lattin 4-0 Ballylanders 06 May Kilmallock United 4-1 Cullen Lattin 06 May Shannon Town 2-1 Herbertstown Div 2B 01 May Croom United 2-2 Knocklong 08 May Croom United 4-1 Celtic B 08 May Knocklong 3-2 Celtic A

Fixtures Div. 1 League 13 May 19:00 Caherdavin Celtic v Lifford Div. 2A League 13 May 19:00 Ballylanders v Kilmallock United 15 May 19:00 Cullen Lattin v Shannon Town 27 May 19:00 Herbertstown v Cullen Lattin 27 May 19:00 Shannon Town v Ballylanders Div 2B League 15 May 19:00 Celtic B v Knocklong 15 May 19:00 Croom United v Celtic A 29 May Celtic B v Celtic A 29 May Knocklong v Croom United Open Cup 27 May 18:45 Caherdavin Celtic v Lifford

29 May 18:45 Shannon Town v Bruff Unites Div 1 Cup 20 May 18:45 Caherdavin Celtic v Lifford Div 2A Cup 20 May 18:45 Kilmallock United v Shannon Town Div 2B Cup 20 May 18:45 Celtic A v Celtic B 22 May 18:45 Croom United v Knocklong

Club Profile: Lifford Ladies AFC Brief Club History Lifford Ladies was founded in 1988 in an area of Ennis of the same name by two local girls looking to strike a blow for equality and get a girls’ team going.

Since then Lifford Ladies went on to become one of the leading Ladies Soccer teams in the Country winning every domestic title from Underage to Senior Ladies. Former players include Arsenal’s Yvonne Tracy, and International players Marie Curtin and Edel Malone. The Club have had over 25 girls play at International Underage and Senior level.

Club Grounds: Cassidy Park, Ennis.

Cub Colours: Red & White

- 16 -

D ND BROA D

W

MERICK

EB DESIGN

ET PRINT

C M ER H A ND

G

LI

E SH

EA IS

L PRINT ITA IN IG

1937

Print options • Flyers • Brochures • Office Stationary • Posters • Books • Greeting cards • Invitations • Menus • Folders • Newsletters • Tickets

• • • •

Programs Business Cards Manuals And much much more Wide Format Print • Pop-Up Display Systems • Trade Show Graphics • Wide-Format Photo • Banners • Large Format Posters • Retail Graphics

2014 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Print finishing options • Saddle stitch • Perfect binding • Automatic folding • Laminating • Perforating • Wiro binding • Case binding • Ring binding

www.munsterprint.ie

- 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

-17 -

FAI CUP SECOND ROUND DRAW LIMERICK DRAWN AGAINST SEVEN-TIME WINNERS BOHEMIANS

Limerick boss Stuart Taylor was pleased to see his side handed a home tie in last Sunday’s FAI Ford Cup second round draw, with the Superblues set to entertain Bohemians at Thomond Park on the weekend ending Sunday 8 June.

It will be the Scottish manager’s first home FAI Cup game in charge of the club, having had away outings against non-league Glenville and fellow top-flight Dundalk last term. The 39-year-old has a 100 percent record in four league meetings with the Gypsies and he is hoping that that record continues as he looks to enjoy a prolonged run in the Blue Riband event. “We’re happy with the draw,” Stuart said. “We can go and play in front of our home support. That’s what you’re always looking for – a home tie. We’re looking to have a good long run in the Cup and hopefully we can get to the latter stages and give the supporters a day out. It’s the draw that we’ve got; we’ll have gone and taken whatever was put in front of us. We’ll give it our best. We’re looking forward to the tie.”

Last season, Limerick overcame Glenville on a 3-0 scoreline in Dublin thanks to goals from Rory Gaffney (2) and Stephen Bradley. Gaffney also netted twice, after an early Axel Bossekota equaliser, as Limerick were edged out 5-3 by Dundalk in an eight-goal thriller at Oriel Park in the last 16. And improving past that stage is the minimum target for Taylor this time around. He stated: “We’re always looking to improve, as I said at the start of the season.

We set out to go and improve on last year.

That applies the same in the Cup where we will be looking to go as far as we can.”

Tonight’s opponents Dundalk were paired with holders Sligo Rovers – who defeated

“WE’RE LOOKING TO HAVE A GOOD LONG RUN IN THE CUP AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET TO THE LATTER STAGES AND GIVE THE SUPPORTERS A DAY OUT” them in the Setanta Sports Cup final just last weekend – in undoubtedly the tie of the round.

While Limerick are five-time finalists and twice winners of the competition, most recently in 1982, Bohemians – 14-time finalists – are chasing an eighth success having won it for the seventh time in 2008. A date and time for the tie will be confirmed in due course, with a Friday night fixture already ruled out due to an event in Thomond Park. Check LimerickFC.ie for confirmed details.

FAI Ford Cup Second Round Draw Dundalk v Sligo Rovers Belgrove/Home Farm v Finn Harps Drogheda United v Cockhill Celtic Limerick v Bohemians Cobh Ramblers v Derry City Athlone Town v Longford Town Wexford Youths v Bray Wanderers Shelbourne v Waterford United Saint Patrick’s CY v Saint Patrick’s Athletic Mayfield United v Malahide United Ballynanty Rovers v Phoenix UCC v Saint Michael’s UCD v Galway Collinstown v Avondale United Cork City v Saint Mochta’s Sheriff YC v Shamrock Rovers

- 18 -

-19 -

ACADEMY

GAFFNEY EYES DUNDALK DOWNFALL The Ginger Ronaldo unable to explain Dundalk goal delight

Rory Gaffney cannot explain the Midas touch that playing against Dundalk provides him with, but the Limerick striker is hoping his outstanding scoring form against the Lilywhites can continue tonight. The Galway native netted a total of nine goals for the Shannonsiders last term, with five of those coming against Stephen Kenny’s men, including one in the 3-2 win here at Thomond Park in June and a brace in the 2-1 victory at Oriel Park in September. He also netted twice in the 5-3 FAI Cup defeat at the border venue the previous month, with Gaffney eyeing yet more joy against the Louth men this weekend.

Indeed, so impressive was he that Kenny attempted to prise him away from Limerick at the end of the season. With the Tuam man in final year in college, remaining with the Superblues made more sense. But Gaffney was unable to put a finger on why Dundalk brings the best out of him. “Bad defenders!” he joked. “I don’t know. I suppose it’s just one of those things. Obviously I’m getting the chances and thankfully I’m taking them. Last season, we were certainly their bogey team. We beat them twice, drew once and gave them a good run in the Cup game as well up there. Hopefully, we can continue that this week. I think if we can get our strongest team on the pitch we’ll be a match for anyone. We’re defending well all year. I think we’re solid; apart from the Sligo game, we haven’t conceded many goals at home or away. We

“LAST SEASON, WE WERE CERTAINLY DUNDALK’S BOGEY TEAM. I THINK IF WE CAN GET OUR STRONGEST TEAM ON THE PITCH WE’LL BE A MATCH FOR ANYONE” just probably need to do a small bit more in the final third, to try to finish off teams if we get chances. These are the games you look forward to – you want to test yourself against the best teams in the country.”

Gaffney is familiar with Dundalk’s quartet of Stephen O’Donnell, Daryl Horgan, Patrick Hoban and John Mountney given their Galway connection. And he has been particularly impressed with the latter two, who he played alongside at Mervue United. “I would have got on very well with Pat and John at Mervue,” the 24-year-old said, “and I’d know Stephen and Daryl from playing against them. Stephen is a big loss for them but the other three lads are going very well again this year. Daryl is a great signing for them. It’s good to see John playing a bit more this year as well.

I’m surprised he hasn’t got in earlier; he’s a very good player and I rate him highly.

You don’t need to say too much about Pat after the season he had last year and he’s banging in goals again this season.”

- 20 -

GET BEHIND US!

YOUR LOCAL TEAM ON THE NATIONAL STAGE

Limerick FC

LI

MERICK

1937

vrs Cork City TUESDAY, 20TH MAY, 7.45PM. LIVE AT THOMOND PARK. TICKETS: Stand: Adults - €15, Student/OAP - €10, U12’s - €5 Terrace: Adults - €12, Student/OAP - €10, U12’s - €5 www.limerickfc.ie

-21 -

THE BIG INTERVIEW: WITH SHAUN KELLY Defender Shaun Kelly says he will forever remain “grateful” to Dundalk for the footing they gave him in the League of Ireland during a two-season spell. But now the Donegal native is well settled in Limerick, where he has “never looked back” since joining three years ago.

As a youngster, Kelly combined playing Gaelic Football in Killybegs with lining out for both Saint Catherine’s and Institute across different seasons in soccer, before a dream move to Heart of Midlothian arrived in June 2005. Shaun, now 24, takes up the story. “I grew up in Killybegs and it was a bigger GAA town than soccer back then,” he explained. “I played GAA from Under-10s right up to Under-16 level. The Kennedy Cup, where I played with Donegal, was around the time that I started properly into soccer. I had all those sports linked in at that time. When I was 14, I went to play with Institute

- 22 -

in Derry. My parents used to drive me in every Monday and Wednesday for training and that was an hour-and-a-half drive, and then again on a Saturday for a match.

There was another guy where I’m from who was going in as well so sometimes his Dad would help us out. My Mam and Dad were great from when I was a young age, trying to get time off work to take me to training and games. For games then you would have to go to Belfast on the bus, so for them it was a lot of work. It’s only when you get older that you appreciate the amount of work that they did for you. It was at Institute that Hearts spotted me playing in the Foyle Cup and I made the move from there.”

Only a year earlier, Kelly had played as a centre-back before his height meant a switch to rightback. “I didn’t grow too much more,” he smiled, “so I had to go to right-back in my last season with

Institute. Hearts took me over as a right-back. I had been on trial at Wolves when I was 14 and at Blackburn when I was 15. At the same time, I was going to Hearts.

I had been over and back to them and after my first time there I

so I thought that was the best decision for me. The year before I signed, I was over six or seven times, during different holidays, just to get me used to it before I moved. In my first year there, I was 16, and for any young lad

It’s great now to be away and not be thinking about homesickness because I can remember when I was 16 it wasn’t a nice feeling.

But Hearts were good, they treated me well and they were a good club in terms of that. If you did need to get home, you got home.

For the first year, I was going over and back. At that age, you’re not “WHEN I SIGNED, THIS IS WHAT THEY HAD playing for the proper Under-19 PLANNED FOR THE CLUB. FROM TALKING TO team anyway; you’re just in about it to get used to it. In my second PAT O’SULLIVAN, YOU CAN SEE THE PASSION year, I was the regular right-back for the Under-19s. I did well and IN HIM AND HOW WELL HE WANTS THE I was made vice-captain for my third year. Then I tore my menisCLUB TO DO” cus in my right knee so that left me out for about four months. knew they wanted to sign me. I moving away from home it’s hard That year didn’t go to plan but I had to make my mind up whether at the start because you’re not had signed a new contract that to go to other clubs on trial or if used to it. You’re used to being season and I signed another year Hearts was the one. They want- at home with your parents, your on a professional deal with the ed to know. At that age, you don’t family and seeing all your friends. first team. But obviously I only had want to tell a club no, in case you the one appearance on the bench don’t get something else. Hearts “I won’t lie – at the start it was for them in the Edinburgh Derwere a big club in Scotland back hard when you’re homesick. The by, which we won 1-0. That was then and they had great facilities first months are the most difficult. a great experience for me. It was

-23 -

just playing reserve football then, so January came and I wanted to get out on-loan. Seán Connor at Dundalk rang me and asked me would I be interested in coming on-loan. I said to him it would be something that I’d definitely be interested in but maybe it would be better if I signed permanently.

With loans, you can go and it may not work out, so I wanted to go to Dundalk and sign a contract.

I asked Hearts would they agree to it and they said if that’s what I wanted then that would be the best thing to do.”

Kelly had just turned 18 when he was an unused substitute for Hearts against Hibernian in the Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road in April 2007, with 16,000 people in attendance. Marius Žaliūkas grabbed a late winner for the Donegal man’s side. “I had been away on training camps with the first team and had been training with them during the week,” Shaun recalled, when asked if he felt that being on the bench for that game was the start of his breakthrough.

“When you’re called up from the youth team to train with the first team it’s a big thing for you. It was going well for me. You can talk about injuries but I think if you’re good enough you’re going to make it. Just maybe at Hearts, it wasn’t meant to be and it didn’t work out there. It was great to go over there and experience something like that, with the facilities that they have. They had six or seven good pitches, full-sized indoor and outdoor astros, gym rooms, big physio rooms, a canteen – everything you need as a professional footballer is there for you.

Your kit is ready and washed for you, your boots are in the bootroom – just small things that you forget about. When you’re going to games, the kitman takes your boots for you and they’re cleaned for you. In a way, you’re mothered at professional clubs like that.

But at the same time, when you first come in, you have to wash the first team’s boots for them.

As you get older, after your first year or two of doing it, that’s then done for you. I really enjoyed my time there. It didn’t work out but I still think it helped me massively. The coaching over there was brilliant. Since I came back to the League of Ireland with Dundalk, it has been great as well.”

Hearts have since fallen on hard times and were forced into administration last year, which helped lead to their relegation from the Scottish Premiership just last month. “If I’m being honest, I’m not one bit surprised that it has gone that way,” Shaun said.

“Not in the slightest. They’re a big club, they have a good fan base, good facilities and a good stadium. It’s not nice to see any team go into administration, especially as I’ve some old friends there and

- 24 -

a few of the lads that were younger than me. They don’t deserve it.

But with the way the club was run, there was too much money spent and that’s what happens when you spend too much money and you don’t have something to back it up. It’s not nice to see.”

Seán Connor had previously been interested in Kelly when manager of Bohemians but he finally secured his services in January 2009 as he joined Dundalk for their first season back in the top flight in seven years. “It was great at Dundalk,” Shaun said. “The fans were always great to me. It’s a great club to play for. The crowds that they get are brilliant, everyone in the town supports them and they’re passionate about how they do. I owe the club a lot from my first year because I think that’s

ing to Limerick in mid-2011. “I knew that things weren’t right at Galway,” he said, “and when we weren’t getting paid, I looked elsewhere. It’s not all about mon“STUART IS ONE OF ey but at the same time you need money to live. When I got the call THE BEST THAT I’VE from Pat Scully, I had no hesitaWORKED UNDER. tion because I knew the things they were putting in place here.

HE’S A GREAT MANI didn’t know how good it was or how big of a club it was until I AGER: HE LETS YOU actually came down. I’ve nevGO AND EXPRESS er looked back. At the time, you don’t want to drop down diviYOURSELF” sions but talking to Pat Scully, Pat O’Sullivan and Kieran Judge, they said what they wanted in place.

With some of the players they had here, they were good enough to be in the Premier Division anyGrevenmacher was a great expe- way. I signed an 18-month conrience with going through to the tract and I was thinking we would next round. Going to Sofia then, get promoted that season and we playing in front of so many thou- were very unlucky not to go up. sand people, seeing how passion- We ended up going up the folate the crowd are and playing lowing year. When I signed, this against a team like them – to this is what they had planned for the day, I’ve never played against a club. From talking to Pat O’Sulliteam like them. Losing 6-0 wasn’t van, you can see the passion in nice but it just showed the gulf him and how well he wants the in class; they went on to play in club to do. I think it’s great where the group stages that season. we are now. We want to push on It was a great experience and it and do better than we did last has helped with my career. In the year. Every club wants to progwhat makes you in the league. It league, we did well for the first ress. I believed what they told me really helped me settle into the part and then obviously we had at the time and it has happened. league and get used to it. I have a a few injuries. He signed Simon lot to be grateful for to Dundalk; Madden so he said would I play I’m well settled here. My girlto the club and to the fans there. left-back. I was a bit young at the friend is living here for the last It was a great season for me and time and I wanted to be playing. I two years and we’re expecting our I always look forward to playing went to left-back and I’m not one first child shortly. She has got a against them and going back up – I’ll openly admit that. I wouldn’t good job here and we have family there too.” be comfortable playing there. who come down all the time and When that happens and the right- watch games. We love it here. I’d Ian Foster took over the reigns back that comes in does well, and love to stay here going forward from Connor and renewed Kelly’s I move to left-back and don’t do but that’s up to the club and the contract, but it was the arrival of as well as I should, you know how management. Stuart is one of Simon Madden in late July 2010 it will end up. When the manager the best that I’ve worked under. that proved the beginning of the signs somebody and asks you to He’s a great manager; he lets you end for the young defender at change position for that player, go and express yourself. From Oriel Park. “Ian Foster offered me you know that you’re not in his working over in Scotland with a new contract and I knew that I plans in your preferred position. other managers, I’m used to the didn’t want to be anywhere else,” When I wasn’t going to be play- language and the way that they Shaun explained, “but it took a ing right-back, I didn’t want to speak! At least I’m fit to underwhile for it to be done. I signed at stay at Dundalk.” stand him! I didn’t know him over the start of pre-season. We played there, I only knew of him, and it in the Europa League that year. Kelly rejoined forces with Connor has been great playing under him The first European game against at Galway United before mov- since the start of last season.”

-25 -

SQUADS DUNDALK

STEPHEN KENNY MANAGER

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

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 25 26 27

- 26 -

PETER CHERRIE (GK) SEÁN GANNON BRIAN GARTLAND ANDY BOYLE CHRIS SHIELDS STEPHEN O’DONNELL © DARYL HORGAN JOHN MOUNTNEY PATRICK HOBAN KEITH WARD KURTIS BYRNE RUAIDHRI HIGGINS DANE MASSEY MARK GRIFFIN DAVID MCMILLAN RICHIE TOWELL MARK ROSSITER SIMON KELLY DARREN MEENAN GABRIEL SAVA (GK) CONOR MCDONALD CIARÁN O’CONNOR GEORGIE POYNTON MANNY KAGUAKO

-27 -

10 TAKE TEN: SAMUEL OJI Short Bio: Samuel Oji (born: 9 October 1985) is an experienced London-born centre-back who started his career as a Youth player at Arsenal. He signed a full-time contract with Birmingham City in 2004 and the following year he joined Doncaster Rovers on a short-term loan deal. In February 2006, he made his only senior appearance for Birmingham as a late substitute in an FA Cup replay win over Reading in front of 16,644 people. He went on to join Leyton Orient on-loan, then permanently before spending time at Hereford United, Ljungskile SK of Sweden and Tamworth. Last August, he signed for Stuart Taylor at Limerick.

1) What do you eat for breakfast?

Usually Weetabix or porridge

6) What is the most random thing you can think of right now? Club Orange

2) What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Thundercats and Inspector Gadget

7) If you could have any pet in the world what would it be and what would you call it? A lion cub and I’d call it Simba

3) When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up (apart from a footballer!)? When I was really young I wanted to be Hulk Hogan. When I grew up a bit, I wanted to be a defence lawyer 4) If you could have one superpower, what would it be? The ability to time travel 5) Which one of your teammates spends the most time in front of the mirror?

Stephen Folan

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

Think Will Smith would be a prime candidate 9) If you had to do karaoke, what one song would you sing? Anything. Singing is in my blood – ask my cousin Lemar 10) If you could have dinner with three people – real or fictional – who would you invite?

Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali and Michael Jackson

- 28 -

-29 -

PROFILES SHANE CUSACK

SHAUN KELLY

ROBBIE WILLIAMS

STEPHEN FOLAN

Born: 9 March 1989 / Ireland

Born: 2 October 1984 / Eng-

Born: 14 January 1992 / Ire-

Born: 24 June 1992 / Ireland

Ex-Clubs:

land. Ex-Clubs: Huddersfield

land. Ex-Clubs: Mervue United,

Ex-Clubs: Newmarket Celtic,

Hearts, Dundalk, Galway

Town, Stockport County,

Galway Hibernians, Salthill

Colchester United

United

Rochdale, Plymouth Argyle

Devon, Newcastle United

St.

Catherine’s,

1

2

DANNY GALBRAITH

3

SHANE DUGGAN

5

RORY GAFFNEY

Born: 11 March 1989 / Ireland

CRAIG CURRAN Born: 23 August 1989 /

Born: 19 August 1990 /

Ex-Clubs: Fairview Rangers,

Born: 23 October 1989 /

England. Ex-Clubs: Tranmere

Scotland. Ex-Clubs: Hearts,

Plymouth Argyle, UCD, Cork

Ireland

Rovers, Carlisle United, More-

Manchester United, Hibernian

City

Ex-Clubs: Mervue United

cambe, Rochdale, Chester

7

8

SHANE TRACY

9

PATRICK NZUZI

10

BARRY RYAN

MICHAEL LEAHY

Born: 29 August 1978 / Ireland Born: 14 September 1988 /

Born: 24 October 1992 /

Ex-Clubs: UCD, Shamrock Rov-

Born: 30 April 1989 /

Ireland. Ex-Clubs: Wembley

DR Congo. Ex-Clubs: Wallsend

ers, Dublin City, Saint Patrick’s

Ireland

Rovers, Arsenal, Galway United

Boys Club, Newcastle United

Athletic, Galway United

Ex-Clubs: Belvedere, UCD

11

12

14

PRINCE AGYEMANG

SHANE COSTELLOE

TAM MCMANUS

15 BARRY SHEEDY

Born: 28 February 1981 / Born: 25 December 1994 /

Born: 3 August 1995 /

Scotland. Ex-Clubs: Colorado

Born: 1 January 1994 /

Ghana. Ex-Clubs: Right to

Ireland

Rapids, Derry City, Ayr United,

Ireland

Dream Academy

Ex-Clubs: Kilcornan

Rochester Rhinos

Ex-Clubs: Kilmallock United

16

17 - 30 -

18

19

DARRAGH RAINSFORD

VAL FEENEY

JAMES MCGRATH

COLM MURPHY

Born: 15 November 1994 /

Born: 12 January 1996 /

Born: 9 February 1995 /

Born: 28 October 1995 /

Ireland.

Ireland. Ex-Clubs: Birr Town,

Ireland.

Ireland.

Ex-Clubs: Fairview Rangers

Athlone Town

Ex-Clubs: Nenagh

Ex-Clubs: Castleisland

20 SAMUEL OJI

21

22

TONY WHITEHEAD

GARBHAN COUGHLAN

Born: 9 October 1985 / England.

Orient,

Ex-Clubs: Hereford

23 KIERAN HANLON

Born: 24 January 1993 /

Born: 11 April 1995 /

Leyton

Born: 22 December 1995 /

Ireland.

Ireland.

United,

Ireland.

Ex-Clubs: Mungret Regional,

Ex-Clubs: Hyde Rangers, Pike

Ex-Clubs: Charleville

Ballincollig, Athlone Town

Rovers

Ljungskile SK, Tamworth

24

25

26

JASON HUGHES

SEAN McSWEENEY

27

ROSS MANN

SHANE WALSH

Born: 9 April 1991 / Ireland Born: 8 October 1997 /

Ex-Clubs: Geraldines, Lourdes

Born: 9 January 1996 /

Born: 6 October 1996 /

Ireland.

Celtic, Athlone Town, Janes-

Ireland.

Ireland.

Ex-Clubs: Shannonside

boro, Ballynanty Rovers

Ex-Clubs: Kilcornan

Ex-Clubs: Pike Rovers

28

29

PAUDIE O’CONNOR

ALI ABASS

30 STUART TAYLOR

32 ANTHONY FENNELLY

Born: 26 November 1974 /

Born: 12 August 1978 / Ire-

Born: 14 July 1997 /

Born: 22 March 1995 / Ghana

Scotland. Ex-Clubs As Player:

land. Ex-Clubs As Player: Dun-

Ireland.

Ex-Clubs: Right to Dream

Ross County, Airdrie United,

dalk, Athlone Town,

Ex-Clubs: Regional United

Academy

Hamilton Academical

Kilkenny City, Longford Town

33

34 -31 -

m

c

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

0-1

5

Fri 4th April 7.45

U.C.D - v - Limerick FC

1-1

6

Fri 11th April 7.45

Bohemians - v - Limerick FC

0-1

7

Fri 18th April 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Athlone Town

2-1

8

Mon 21st April 3.00

Derry City - v - Limerick FC

0-0

9

Fri 25th April 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Sligo Rovers

0-3

10

Fri 2nd May 8.00

Shamrock Rovers - v - Limerick FC

1-1

11

Fri 9th May 7.45

Bray Wanderers - v - Limerick FC

1-0

12

Fri 16th May 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Dundalk

13

Tues 20th May 7.45

Limerick FC - v - Cork City (rescheduled)

14

Fri 23rd May 7.45

Limerick FC - v - St. Patrick’s Athletic

15

Fri 30th May 7.45

Drogheda Utd - v - Limerick FC

full fixtures @ limerickfc.ie

- 32 -

-33 -

DEREK McCARTHY Then and now - the difference

Derek McCarthy says the club he has returned to this season is “chalk and cheese” compared to the one he knew in his playing days, with the former Limerick forward hoping they can go on to “achieve great things” in the coming years. McCarthy started out with the Superblues as a Youth player 17 years ago under Noel O’Connor and went on to win a League Cup with the first team in 2002 under the same manager.

Fast forward to 2014, he is now in the role of Sports Scientist under Stuart Taylor, and

he has pointed to the huge differences which are evident at the club thanks to the investment of Pat O’Sullivan. “It’s chalk and cheese from the club that I knew,” McCarthy said. “Don’t get me wrong, the people that were there at the club, they did the best that they could do. The finances ultimately make the big difference to what you can and can’t do. I’m sure previous managers that I worked under, if they were in this position, they would have been able to do really well as well. It has come a long way and you can only pay credit to Pat O’Sulli-

- 34 -

-35 -

van, the investment and the faith that he has put in the football club. We do need a strong football team in Limerick. It has been too long that we’ve been down in the doldrums and not pushing forward. Twenty years outside the Premier Division is a sin in itself. But with the Gaffer now, you can see that the club is moving in the right direction – Bruff with the way that’s going and the Markets Field. Any time I speak to anyone out back home, all the talk is about ‘when will we get back to the Markets Field?’. There is a certain aura around the Markets Field and hopefully when we do get back in there, it will be that impetus that will regenerate a vibrant football club that maybe at the moment we’re just not quite achieving. I don’t think we’re far away from it. Results have started to improve in recent weeks and if you have success then people are going to come and watch you play. Ultimately, that’s what we need to strive for. A successful Limerick team will get supported by the people of Limerick.”

McCarthy took up the role as Reserve Team Sports Scientist at Blackburn Rovers approaching January 2009, where former Limerick boss Sam Allardyce had just taken charge. “I didn’t know way he would take that,” Derek said, “in the sense that when I started with Blackburn it was the same week that he took over the job. He had come in after Paul Ince. When I got introduced to him as Reserve Team Sports Scientist and I said that I was from Limerick, I was absolutely flabbergasted at his ability to recall the likes of Mike Kerley and Ray O’Halloran, and their names and their performances. I think it did give me a certain ‘in’ with him straight away that I had a connection with him. We had both obviously been at Limerick and I have to say that he was always top class with me.

I had a great relationship with him and obviously he’s a massive character in Premier League football. He’s quite daunting to speak to; you do get intimidated to a certain extent when you’re in his presence.

But for me, he was always top class with me and it was great that he remembered Limerick and remembered his time here.

He referred back to Fr. Joe Young and so on and had some interesting tales of what he went through as manager of Limerick FC at that time. It was really good and I think it definitely gave me a little bit of a boost to be able to chat to him about Limerick and people that we had crossed paths with, that I had played with or that I had worked under.”

“IT HAS COME A LONG WAY AND YOU CAN ONLY PAY CREDIT TO PAT O’SULLIVAN. THE INVESTMENT AND THE FAITH HE HAS PUT IN THE FOOTBALL CLUB” The former striker went on to state how much he is enjoying his time back at the club. “I just feel so content at the moment,” he said. “Having been in England for five years, you can forget all the things that are missing, from my nephews and nieces and how they are starting to grow up. You forget how important it is to be at home and to be with your family. When I was in England, I maybe got home 3-4 times a year – that takes its toll. I’m just really enjoying being back at home now and reacquainting myself with my friends. The fact that I can have a job with Limerick FC doing the job that I did in England is a massive, massive boost. Hopefully, I can get involved with the club to the point that we can have the Academy in Bruff and I can have that influence on what we do as a football club because I do think I have great experience and something very good to offer Limerick FC because of my time in England. Hopefully, that can be good for everybody, including the region, and we can go on and achieve great things.”

- 36 -

2010 Peugeot 3008 HDI Sport Version, Immaculate condition 2010 VW Golf diesel black mint condition 2010 VW Golf diesel silver hi-spec.

2009 308 sport black.

2008 Opel Astra diesel NCT to 2016 2008 VW Polo Automatic low mileage 2008 VW Golf Automatic silver, low mileage 2008 Toyota Yaris sol 2008 Toyota Corolla sal.

2008 Grand C4 Pisasso, diesel, NCT/taxed.

2007 Astra Hi Spec 2007 Rav 4 Diesel 2007 Toytota Yaris 1.0

2007 Toyota Corolla Sal. 2007 Toyota Yaris Automatic 2007 VW Passat Diesel 2006 Nissan Micra Automatic 2006 BMW 320 only 70klm (mint condition) 2006 Toyota Corolla Sal. 2006 Opel Astra 1.4 2006 Opel Meriva 1.6 Automatic NCT to 2016 2005 Nissan Micra Automatic 2005 Honda Jazz automatic

Several other select second-hand cars in stock to clear at bargain prices including: 2006 VW Jetta diesel 2006 Tradjet 7seater Diesel – NCT 2016 2005 Opel Zafira, 7 seater, nct one year.

2004 Audi A3 diesel – NCT one year.

2004 Ford Focus Silver – NCT one year.

2005 Renault Laguna Diesel – NCT one year.

2004 Kangoo Wheel chair adapted, ramp & lift.

2003 Mitsubishi Colt.

2002 Seat Alahembia 7 seater NCT one year.

2002 Opel Astra – NCT one year.

2002 BMW 3 series blue, four door – NCT one year.

2001 Toyota Yaris 1.0 silver 2001 Nissan Almera.

1998 Toyota Starlet one owner, 70k miles, mint condition.

K an 2012 d, incl. p 0 miles 0 e Load only 29,0 roof

OF R A C K lly E E W u THEia Sportageoframic

Contact: John on 087 2617095 Graham on 087 2432738 Piotrek on 087 7523749 John on 085850100

2013 Ford Focus Zetec Sport(Black) 2012 Kia Ceed (new model) 1.6 dsl – Beautiful Car 2012 Hyundai I30 new model a real beauty 2012 Hyundai I40 premium, fully loaded 2011 Skoda Octavia Estate, Laurin&Klement (only one in country) 2011 Kia Ceed 2011 Nissan Micra Automatic 2011 Ford S Max 7 Seater Titanium X 2011 Nissan Qashqai1.5 diesel 2011 Opel Astra SRI – high spec.

2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid Hi Spec low mileage 2010 Ford Focus Zetec (Silver) TDCI

-37 -

GARY SPAIN

BETTING BLUES

Gary Spain gives an insight into the ups and downs that betting on your own team provides I don’t bet and not for any moral objections, merely because I have better things to lose money on. I am often fascinated by others though. A Derry City fan showed me his betting slip before our recent game in The Brandywell and his scoreless draw prediction was spot on. “I bet with my head, not my heart,” he explained. At the Carlisle Grounds last Friday as the games entered the final ten minutes a home fan had a different dilemma. As scores stood he was on course for a €140 payout if Bohs could beat UCD. He had draws in our game and Wigan versus QPR along with wins for Bohs, Shamrock Rovers and St. Pat’s. I passed on the bad news that Bohs had been playing with ten men for much of the game, but still there was hope.

I thought our game was looking nailed on for a scoreless draw but out of the blue the Bray substitute Adam Hanlon conjured up a winner. “I’d still rather the win anyway,” explained the celebrating home fan. Cork actually equalised and then still lost, this leaving that part of the bet on. His friend cruelly announced as the game entered injury-time that Bohs had gone ahead. This of course was incorrect information as the game finished scoreless but it

certainly fooled me and the guy holding the betting slip. Indeed, he probably only pretended to check his phone as Cork were probably level at that time. What a dilemma to have then, if your team concedes a late equaliser you win €140? Of course, it was not to be. I can only imagine the double devastation for the home fan had we scored when he discovered that Bohs hadn’t even clinched his bet as a consolation.

Unfortunately, we had felt the devastation a week earlier in Tallaght. While before the game we’d have gladly settled for a point it was heartbreaking to concede a 96th-minute equaliser particularly after Shane’s penalty save. Hopefully no heartbreaking late goals against us tonight and this run of three consecutive home games will give us a chance to earn some points and move up the table.

- 38 -

Powering Live Football

#lovelivefootball -39 -

FEAT

WORLD CUP PREVIEW 2014 Brazil prepare to host football’s biggest showpiece We are now just 27 days away from the beginning of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the competition’s most successful country Brazil between Thursday 12 June and Sunday 13 July. In this the 20th World Cup, Canarinho will hope to be crowned champions for the sixth time, having last won it 12 years ago in Japan.

Last year, Brazil warmed up for this event

by winning the FIFA Confederations Cup, impressively overcoming Spain 3-0 in the final thanks to a brace from Fred and another from the current Golden Boy of Brazilian football Neymar.

The host nation has been paired in Group A with Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon in a section where they should progress from to the Round of 16. Current holders Spain

- 40 -

TURE

will meet the country they defeated in the 2010 final in South Africa, the Netherlands, with those two fancied to come out on top of Group B ahead of Chile and Australia.

The four teams in Group C – Columbia, Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan – will all fancy their chances of progression, with perhaps the latter, who were the first to secure qualification to the tournament, standing out as a dark horse. In Group D, the ‘Old Enemy’ face Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica in a tricky looking section for Roy Hodgson’s men.

In Group E, France – controversially without Premier League winner Samir Nasri – will expect to qualify ahead of Ecuador, Switzerland and Honduras, while in Group F, Argentina are clear favourites. Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria will fight it out for runners-up spot. Group G may provide the biggest competition of all as Germany, Portugal, Ghana – who our own duo of Prince Agyemang and Ali Abass will be keeping a close eye on – and the United States go head-to-head. The final group is another tough one to call as Belgium, Algeria, Russia and South Korea face off.

GROUPS Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Brazil Croatia Mexico Cameroon

Spain Netherlands Chile Australia

Colombia Greece Ivory Coast Japan

Uruguay Costa Rica England Italy

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Switzerland Ecuador France Honduras

Argentina Bosnia & Herz Iran Nigeria

Germany Portugal Ghana United States

Belgium Algeria Russia South Korea

GROUP FIXTURES BY DATE Thursday 12 June - Brazil v Croatia, 9pm - Friday 13 June - Mexico v Cameroon, 5pm - Spain v Netherlands, 8pm - Chile v Australia, 11pm Saturday 14 June - Colombia v Greece, 5pm - Uruguay v Costa Rica, 8pm - England v Italy, 11pm - Sunday 15 June - Ivory Coast v Japan, 2am Switzerland v Ecuador, 5pm - France v Honduras, 8pm - Argentina v Bosnia & Herzegovina, 11pm Monday 16 June - Germany v Portugal, 5pm - Iran v Nigeria, 8pm - Ghana v United States, 11pm Tuesday 17 June - Belgium v Algeria, 5pm - Brazil v Mexico, 8pm - Russia v South Korea, 11pm Wednesday 18 June - Australia v Netherlands, 5pm - Spain v Chile, 8pm - Cameroon v Croatia, 11pm Thursday 19 June - Colombia v Ivory Coast, 5pm - Uruguay v England, 8pm - Japan v Greece, 11pm Friday 20 June - Italy v Costa Rica, 5pm - Switzerland v France, 8pm - Honduras v Ecuador, 11pm Saturday 21 June - Argentina v Iran, 5pm - Germany v Ghana, 8pm - Nigeria v Bosnia & Herzegovina, 11pm Sunday 22 June - Belgium v Russia, 5pm - South Korea v Algeria, 8pm - United States v Portugal, 11pm Monday 23 June - Australia v Spain, 5pm - Netherlands v Chile, 5pm - Cameroon v Brazil, 9pm - Croatia v Mexico, 9pm Tuesday 24 June - Italy v Uruguay, 5pm - Costa Rica v England, 5pm - Japan v Colombia, 9pm - Greece v Ivory Coast, 9pm Wednesday 25 June - Nigeria v Argentina, 5pm - Bosnia & Herzegovina v Iran, 5pm - Honduras v Switzerland, 9pm - Ecuador v France, 9pm Thursday 26 June - United States v Germany, 5pm - Portugal v Ghana, 5pm - South Korea v Belgium, 9pm - Algeria v Russia, 9pm

--41 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.

- 42 -

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 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 and A Chance To Meet The Players Supporters’ Club Notes Congratulations to Rory Gaffney on winning the OSC Player of the Month for April as voted for by OSC Members. Special mention to Sam Oji and Barry Ryan who also had a fantastic month.

New OSC pin badges are now available, priced €3 each. We will have these on sale before and after the game in the Dugout Bar along with our polo shirts and car stickers.

Race night in Russell’s Bar on Saturday 31 May is fast approaching; tickets are €5 and can be purchased from any OSC Committee Member.

Finally, anyone who has yet to collect their Membership Pack can do so in the Dugout Bar. Thank you for your support and enjoy the game!

-43 -

- 44 -