Four Limerick based players feature in Irish U-21 win

Four Limerick based players played roles in Stephen Kenny’s first match in charge of the Republic of Ireland U-21 side on Wednesday evening. A home based Irish under-21 side defeated an Irish amateur selection 1-0 at Whitehall, the home of former League of Ireland side Home Farm FC.

Pike duo Stephen McGann and Gary Neville both played for the amateur side while Limerick FC wingers Will Fitzgerald and Karl O’Sullivan were substitutes for Kenny’s side. Shamrock Rovers player Brandon Kavanagh got the winner for Ireland U-21s on the half hour mark. McGann started for the amateur side before being replaced at half time by Alan McGreal.

Goalkeeper Gary Neville replaced Brendan O’Connell and managed to keep a second half clean sheet. Will Fitzgerald replaced Waterford winger Zack Elbouzedi for the final five minutes of the game while Karl O’Sullivan was introduced in injury time for Neil Farrugia. Despite the lack of game time, it is a great experience for Fitzgerald and O’Sullivan who will be key players for a young Limerick FC side this season.

Pike manager Mick Sheil will be happy that his key players emerged from the game unscathed ahead of a big league match against Kilmallock on Sunday. Fitzgerald and O’Sullivan were joined by a host of Airtricity League Premier Division players including Trevor Clarke and Aaron Bolger of Shamrock Rovers (on loan at Cardiff), Zack Elbouzedi of Waterford and Conor Kearns of UCD.