WATCH: Prospect manager Derek Braddish relishing premier division challenge

Prospect Priory FC were promoted to the premier division last season and will make their first appearance at the top level of Limerick junior soccer in 20 years. The club achieved the 1A double in some style in 2018.

Manager Derek Braddish presided over the successful season and admits the club have waited for this opportunity for a long time.

“Oh yeah it’s what the club have waited for for so long. It is a long time for a club that would have been in the premier for most of their existence. The players are definitely excited. The committee are probably more excited than the players.

Braddish has remained loyal to many of the players which earned promotion last season as he felt they deserved a chance at the highest level. They have signed James Cleary from Moyross, Patrick Stanisewski from Annacotty, Ian Maher from Summerville and Pat Whelan from Granville. He is happy with the areas they have strengthened in.

“We have added in the areas we felt we needed. I felt it was important to give the guys from Prospect a chance as well. They have worked hard over the last few years from 1B to premier. I think they deserve that chance as well. We lost a couple of players over the summer too for work reasons or retirement through injury. I don’t think any club is fully happy but overall we are happy enough.”

Prospect host seasoned premier outfit Ballynanty on Wednesday evening (kick-off 6.30). Braddish is aware of the challenge that faces his players as Ballynanty traditionally start well in the premier division.

“Balla usually start very well. Most seasons they are up with the top one or two teams, especially approaching Christmas so it will be very hard. Hopefully, home advantage may help us a bit but they have a lot of players who have won cups and have league of Ireland experience with a new manager. It will be up to us to match their tempo.”

To view the full interview, you can click on the link below.