Captain Duggan opts to stay at Limerick

Limerick captain Shane Duggan has re-signed with the Blues ahead of their 2017 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season.

Duggan was voted PFAI Player of the Season for the second tier last season as the Munster outfit raced their way to the First Division title.

The 28-year-old, who made 20 appearances during the season, scoring six goals, spoke of his delight shortly after Tuesday’s announcement.

“Last season I had the option of signing back again so there was never going to be an issue,” said Duggan.

“I’m happy now to get it done.”

The midfielder joined Limerick in late 2013 and is optimistic heading into his fifth season with his local club.

“The time has gone around quickly. I can’t believe it will be my fourth year already. When I first signed, I was welcomed straight away.

“Being from Limerick it was easy to settle in. We had a great season just gone and I’m delighted to be back up in the Premier Division.

“Martin (Russell) and the backroom staff are trying to get players tied down. We’ll obviously be looking for a couple of new faces.

“If we bring in a couple of players to bring us to that next level I don’t see any reason why we can’t be up there challenging for the European spots.

“When you think about it last season, asides from Dundalk and Cork, it was wide open.

“If we sign a couple of lads to give us that extra bit of experience in the Premier Division and maintain the squad that we had, we can push for Europe. That will be our aim, definitely.”