Limerick FC turn their attentions to the Extra.ie FAI Senior Cup last 16 this Saturday evening when they travel to the Showgrounds to take on Sligo Rovers (7.45).
The Shannonsiders picked up their first point in the league in five matches last Friday night with a 1-1 home draw with Athlone Town. The visitors took the lead in the first half before a second half own goal secured a draw.
Manager Tommy Barrett was frustrated by the draw as Limerick spurned glorious chances through Karl O’Sullivan, Kieran Hanlon and Adam Foley to take the lead.
“We could have scored four or five. We looked nervous and they were easy chances as well. We created a lot of chances but I am disappointed and frustrated for the lads that they didn’t finish them.”
There was a record low attendance present at the Markets Field since the return to the Garryowen venue in 2015 of just 227 paying customers.
With Limerick falling out of play-off contention a few weeks ago and players departing over the summer months, the drop off in interest levels was inevitable.
Barrett admitted that the attendance was very concerning and feels that the club have to do more to attract fans.
“We have never got massive crowds in the past either. I have said it in the past that we need to do more as well. If you aren’t getting big crowds in, you have to go to schools and you have to get people going any way you can.
“If it means giving out free tickets, you give them free tickets. You get the younger fans in and make it a livelier atmosphere.”
Tommy Barrett
On the pitch, Limerick are looking to reach their third quarter-final in a row in the FAI Cup but will be up against a side who are currently sixth in the Airtricity League Premier Division.
Limerick natives Sam Warde and in particular Ronan Coughlan will play a key role for Liam Buckley’s side at the Showgrounds.
The Super Blues record at the North-West venue was positive last year with a win and a draw, both without conceding a goal.
Darren Dennehy scored the winner on the opening game of the season in 2018 but only Shane Tracy and Shaun Kelly remain from that match day squad with wholesale changes which were out of the players and management team’s control.
Barrett recognises how tough a challenge it is but says his side will give it everything they have. He also feels it is a good draw for the club, given that Sligo possess a healthy home attendance record and Limerick are in need of money.
“From a financial point of view, I think it is a good draw for us. Is it better to get 35% of the gate of 3,000 people or 65% of 400 people.
“If you consider the maths, I think it is probably better that we are playing Sligo away. Sligo are a good side but we will go up there and give it our best shot and that’s all you can do.
Also, Limerick have three league games left to finish the Airtricity League First Division season. Despite only starting in late February and finishing in Septbember, it feels like one of the longest season’s in living memory.
The players gave hope of a play-off place but the loss of the likes of Killian Brouder, Connor Ellis and Colm Walsh-O’Loughlen midway through the season finished any hope of that.
Barrett is hoping that the current squad will remain at the club until the end of September when they finish the season away to league leaders Shelbourne. Many players have been linked with moves to junior clubs in recent weeks.
“That is up to the players themselves but most of them said they will stick it out until the end of the season. e only have three league games left and the boys have been excellent all year.
“I went on record to publicly thank them last week for their effort. In the last few weeks, they have dropped off but I think that is human nature.
“Have I been de-motivated myself? I probably have. That doesn’t mean we aren’t trying, things just catch up on everyone.”