Limerick United set to field representative teams in 2020

Following last month’s news that Limerick FC will be liquidated following failure to find investment to save the club, it has been confirmed that a new group called Limerick United will enter teams in both the Women’s National League and underage leagues in the forthcoming Airtricity League campaign.

There will be no senior men’s representation in this season’s Airtrictity League First Division. It was devastating news as Limerick were involved in senior football since 1937 and were the second longest serving club in League of Ireland history.

However, since the news was publicised, there has been a massive effort from local figures such as Cllr Frankie Daly to save senior soccer in the city as it is vitally important as an ambition for the city’s aspiring footballers.

Today’s news means that there will be a Limerick side in the U13, U15.U17 and U19’s league. Also, a senior women’s and U17 side will enter the Continental Tyres National Women’s League.

Last month, it emerged that Pat O’Sullivan had attended the re-scheduled Football Association of Ireland AGM and vowed to fight the ruling against his Limerick FC entity. However, with debts amounting to €490,000, there was never any hope of positive news on that front.

The long-term ambition of the new Limerick United entity is to create a senior men’s team to enter next season’s First Division. Former Limerick FC manager Tommy Barrett has been rumoured as the chosen man to lead the U19’s side into the 2020 season.

In other related news, the FAI confirmed that Shamrock Rovers B will replace Limerick FC in next season’s Airtricity League. There has been widespread criticism from many in the league to the decision, including other competing First Division clubs.

All clubs opposed the proposal stating that the First Division should not become a division which is exploited by Premier Division clubs for their own benefit.