Limerick FC awarded Airtricity League Premier Division Licence

Limerick FC have been awarded an Airtricity League Premier Division licence for the 2019 season. The club announced the news on their official Twitter account moments ago. The statement read, “We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a premier division licence for the 2019 season. We would like to thank all the staff and volunteers who helped in the process.”

The news will come as a relief to both players and supporters at the club as many rumours had been circulating surrounding the club’s future in the league in recent weeks. After last year’s financial trouble and the lack of significant investment ahead of the new season, the news may also come as a welcome surprise to the rest of the league. The club has reverted to part-time status having been full time since their first promotion under Pat Scully in 2012.

Limerick open their league campaign with a home tie against Longford Town at the Markets Field in exactly two weeks time (Friday, February 22nd). Following relegation last year, manager Tommy Barrett has lost a host of players including Shane Duggan, Cian Coleman, Barry Maguire, Eoin Wearen and Killian Cantwell. The current squad is filled with local talent such as youngsters Will Fitzgerald and Karl O’Sullivan who both appeared in Stephen Kenny’s first game in charge of the Republic of Ireland u-21’s.

The team will be captained by long serving player Shaun Kelly and there will be heavy reliance on Kelly, Shane Tracy and Robbie Williams to provide experience. The Shannonsiders continue their preparation for the new season with a friendly against Munster rivals Cobh Ramblers at St. Coleman’s Park on Saturday (3pm).