WATCH: Former Limerick FC Stalwart Paul Finucane has no regrets

Former Limerick FC captain Paul Finucane joined Sporting Limerick at Jackman Park to discuss his career in the League of Ireland and his decision to leave the club at the age of 26. Finucane was a graduate from the under 21s side in 2001 and spent the next eight seasons with his hometown club.

In 2001, the center-back benefited from a huge overhaul in the squad by becoming an established first team player with the club. “Starting off it was great. When I first started, I was about 17 but it was a much more senior team. We had a lot of experienced lads and players who had good careers like Ray O’Halloran, John Whyte and Tommy Lynch was the manager. It was quite intimidating and you kept your head down and would be delighted if you got on.

I was on the bench for months before I got a game. It was great to experience it because I had supported Limerick since I was 12. Over night, things completely changed. Tommy Lynch left and it was a complete overhaul. All of a sudden, all the young players were in the senior set up.”

Between 2001 and 2007, Finucane enjoyed a roller coaster at three different venues. For example, in 2002 Limerick finished bottom of the first division but managed to win the League Cup while in 2003 they reached the promotion/relegation play offs. When asked what was the best side he has played on, the long serving player did not hesitate in choosing the class of 2003. Limerick were defeated 4-0 on aggregate in the promotion/relegation playoff against an experienced Derry City side.

“Looking back, I think the strongest team we had was when Derry beat us in a playoff (2003). I think not just 1-11 but 1-16 we had a really strong team. Mike Kerley was over us and we had the likes of Stephen O’Flynn and Brendan Sweeney. That was definitely our best year. In the context, the defeat to Derry was a disappointing result but they were far superior. I think that side had reached its peak. After that Stephen O’Flynn was snapped up, Pat Purcell went to Waterford and Brendan Sweeney moved on. The squad was slowly but surely dismantled after that.”

Finucane played with many different players during his time with the club. As he alluded to himself, Limerick FC was constantly shrouded in financial uncertainty which led to a large turnover in the squad. However, he reserved large praise for long standing center-back partner Pat Purcell.

“For myself, one of the best players I ever played with was Pat Purcell because we had a great partnership. We built up a really good understanding. Stephen O’Flynn would be right up there as one of the best players I played with. He was a great professional. From day one when he came in he was top class and excellent on the training pitch. I also should mention Ciaran Foley but we only got to see how good he was when he played with Sligo and Galway. Derek McCarthy was very unfortunate with injuries which curtailed him a bit.”

In 2005, Finucane was appointed captain of the club by then manager Noel O’Connor. He admits that it was a great honor to lead out his hometown club and was one of his best moments at the club.

“I was delighted (to be named captain) and it was a great honor. Was I captain material? When people ask me that question I say being a captain isnt always about being the loudest in the room and I was never a screamer. I was the longest serving player even at that time and I was also consistent in my performance. I loved being captain. Even when it was taken off me and given to Pat Purcell that didn’t affect me in any way.”

Playing under a succession of managers and different regimes, Finucane has seen the joy and despair that can associate itself with Limerick FC. In 2006, having just started a new job, the former Regional United man told club owner Danny Drew that he was unavailable for selection for a midweek game against Shamrock Rovers. However, Drew was adamant that Finucane would play so organised another way.

“We were only part time and had to look after the 9-5 job. I couldn’t go in on the first day of a new job and tell them I had to go away. So as it transpired, he (Danny Drew) booked flights for an aeroplane and I couldn’t believe it. I left work at 5, ran to the airport and we got the flight to Dublin. It cost Danny and the club a good few quid and we were three down at half-time.”