Sheahan confident of Limerick promotion
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Frustration is quite a common theme on Shannonside this year. Everything appears to be going right off the pitch, but for some reason, Limerick appear to be unable to defeat the teams around them, with Monaghan United being the latest example of this trend last Friday night.
Extratime.ie caught up with Limerick FC striker Garry Sheahan, who has felt as much frustration lately as anyone, having to watch his side perform from the safety of the grassy knolls which engulf the Jackman Park playing surface following his leg break in the first game of the season in Ballybofey.
Speaking about his injury, Sheahan seemed disappointed in the healing process. “To be honest, it hasn't gone according to plan so far. I had to get another operation on it three weeks ago, but I'm happy now that it's on the mend and I’m hoping to be back to match fitness just after Christmas. So all going well, I should be flying fit come pre-season.
Regarding the off-field transformation of the club in recent times, the striker knows where the praise should be directed. “I think anyone that knows what’s happening at the club knows where the change has come from. Pat O'Sullivan has come in and I cannot speak highly enough of the man. The public sees the high profile signings and the move to a new ground, but what they don’t see is the time, money and effort that goes into developing football in the city and county. Pat has put a structure in place for this club, a foundation that can be built on by future generations of players and staff. The club is no longer in a situation where reapplication to the league is a possibility year after year, we are in a position to visualise and anticipate the success and prosperity of the club in the future.”
Promotion is the goal at the end of the day, and Garry realises how important it is to have Premier Division football in such a fantastic ground as the Markets Field seems to be. “It's massive, if for no other reason than to give something back to Pat O'Sullivan. That's what he dreams of, seeing blue jerseys of Limerick F.C running out in front of 4000 people at the Market's Field, that's what we all dream of at the club. I've been with Limerick for three seasons before this one, and this year is the first time I've felt that the club is running in sync, the staff, the manager, the coach, the players, the U/19's, right down to the academy. The club is flourishing, and it would be devastating to see us waste another year in the First Division.”
Winning at home against the bigger teams appears to be a major stumbling block for Limerick this year. When questioned about it, even Sheahan wasn’t overly sure why. “That's something I can't explain, but it's also something that might not affect the outcome of the league. Shelbourne look strong, they seem to have figured out the winning formula for the division. So, my concerns are the other two spots, Cork, Monaghan, and Longford will drop points against the teams below them, we have to make sure that we don’t. I think we will take valuable results away from the top three before November, but like I said the key to this league is consistently beating the teams below you.”
Ahead of the Munster derby against Waterford United in August, the injured striker was quick to highlight the importance of the tie. “It's a must win in my opinion, Waterford haven't had a great season so far, but they've been playing better in recent weeks and will be dangerous. We have the new lads after coming in and I think the likes of Behan, Kelly, Maher and Gamble (when he comes back from suspension) will bring a spine of experience to the team that could help us finish in the top three and win us promotion.”
Sheahan also pointed out that the new signings have added a lot. “I see what the lads bring to the team, it's not just the goals, the passes and the last gasp challenges on the pitch, it's the quiet word in a young chap's ear or a motivational kick up the backside when performance levels need a jumpstart. We have a fantastic squad now, the best I've seen at Limerick for years. I perfect mix of young talent and experience. Hopefully it’s enough to get us onto the next level.”
Limerick find themselves in the last four of the EA Sports Cup; a massive occasion Sheahan remarked. “We will have to be mentally strong for the three weeks after the break. Games will come hard and fast and every game from here on in is a must win. We will need to have the strength and depth in the squad and I'm sure Pat Scully will have a tough time piecing together the formula. Cork in the cup will be a huge game, with a lot of bite, especially with the two lads returning home. A win at Turner's Cross would give us a great lift, but our focus has to remain grounded in the league. Silverware would be nice, but promotion would be life changing.
Finally, when Sheahan was asked whether or not he believed Limerick had what it takes to get promoted, he responded in a positive manner. “I really hope so, obviously I feel horrible that I can't contribute and at times I feel that my contribution could have made the difference, but if we get promoted, I could put those terrible memories behind me and focus on taking on the country’s elite next year in the Premier League. The bottom line, I think we can, and I think we will!”
Extratime.ie caught up with Limerick FC striker Garry Sheahan, who has felt as much frustration lately as anyone, having to watch his side perform from the safety of the grassy knolls which engulf the Jackman Park playing surface following his leg break in the first game of the season in Ballybofey.
Speaking about his injury, Sheahan seemed disappointed in the healing process. “To be honest, it hasn't gone according to plan so far. I had to get another operation on it three weeks ago, but I'm happy now that it's on the mend and I’m hoping to be back to match fitness just after Christmas. So all going well, I should be flying fit come pre-season.
Regarding the off-field transformation of the club in recent times, the striker knows where the praise should be directed. “I think anyone that knows what’s happening at the club knows where the change has come from. Pat O'Sullivan has come in and I cannot speak highly enough of the man. The public sees the high profile signings and the move to a new ground, but what they don’t see is the time, money and effort that goes into developing football in the city and county. Pat has put a structure in place for this club, a foundation that can be built on by future generations of players and staff. The club is no longer in a situation where reapplication to the league is a possibility year after year, we are in a position to visualise and anticipate the success and prosperity of the club in the future.”
Promotion is the goal at the end of the day, and Garry realises how important it is to have Premier Division football in such a fantastic ground as the Markets Field seems to be. “It's massive, if for no other reason than to give something back to Pat O'Sullivan. That's what he dreams of, seeing blue jerseys of Limerick F.C running out in front of 4000 people at the Market's Field, that's what we all dream of at the club. I've been with Limerick for three seasons before this one, and this year is the first time I've felt that the club is running in sync, the staff, the manager, the coach, the players, the U/19's, right down to the academy. The club is flourishing, and it would be devastating to see us waste another year in the First Division.”
Winning at home against the bigger teams appears to be a major stumbling block for Limerick this year. When questioned about it, even Sheahan wasn’t overly sure why. “That's something I can't explain, but it's also something that might not affect the outcome of the league. Shelbourne look strong, they seem to have figured out the winning formula for the division. So, my concerns are the other two spots, Cork, Monaghan, and Longford will drop points against the teams below them, we have to make sure that we don’t. I think we will take valuable results away from the top three before November, but like I said the key to this league is consistently beating the teams below you.”
Ahead of the Munster derby against Waterford United in August, the injured striker was quick to highlight the importance of the tie. “It's a must win in my opinion, Waterford haven't had a great season so far, but they've been playing better in recent weeks and will be dangerous. We have the new lads after coming in and I think the likes of Behan, Kelly, Maher and Gamble (when he comes back from suspension) will bring a spine of experience to the team that could help us finish in the top three and win us promotion.”
Sheahan also pointed out that the new signings have added a lot. “I see what the lads bring to the team, it's not just the goals, the passes and the last gasp challenges on the pitch, it's the quiet word in a young chap's ear or a motivational kick up the backside when performance levels need a jumpstart. We have a fantastic squad now, the best I've seen at Limerick for years. I perfect mix of young talent and experience. Hopefully it’s enough to get us onto the next level.”
Limerick find themselves in the last four of the EA Sports Cup; a massive occasion Sheahan remarked. “We will have to be mentally strong for the three weeks after the break. Games will come hard and fast and every game from here on in is a must win. We will need to have the strength and depth in the squad and I'm sure Pat Scully will have a tough time piecing together the formula. Cork in the cup will be a huge game, with a lot of bite, especially with the two lads returning home. A win at Turner's Cross would give us a great lift, but our focus has to remain grounded in the league. Silverware would be nice, but promotion would be life changing.
Finally, when Sheahan was asked whether or not he believed Limerick had what it takes to get promoted, he responded in a positive manner. “I really hope so, obviously I feel horrible that I can't contribute and at times I feel that my contribution could have made the difference, but if we get promoted, I could put those terrible memories behind me and focus on taking on the country’s elite next year in the Premier League. The bottom line, I think we can, and I think we will!”
About Andrew Cunneen
Andrew joined Extratime for the 2010 season and covers all the on-goings down in Limerick. Having first experienced the League of Ireland in 2002, Andrew became hooked, even at such an early age. He is … View Full Profile