Foley and O'Brien sign on for Limerick

Limerick FC have today confirmed the signing of Dominic Foley and Derek O'Brien.

Foley (35) is an Irish native and returns home from from Jupiler Pro League outfit Cercle Brugge in Belgium where he spent the last seven years. Previously at Bohemians, this is Dominic’s second spell in Irish football and despite his advancing years, he should prove to be a top acquisition by the Shannonside club.

After being snapped up by Wolves at the age of nineteen, Foley was sent out on loan to Watford, Notts County and even to Greece before returning to Vicarage Road, where we signed a permanent deal with the Hornets.

Various loan moves ensued, most notably to Loftus Road in the blue and white of Queens Park Rangers before being taken on by Portuguese giants S.C. Braga. After only scoring once in twelve appearances, Phibsborough beckoned for Foley. In his one year spell at Bohemians and in particular during a match against the Belgian side, the striker impressed enough to snatch a move to K.A.A. Gent.

After spending almost five seasons with Gent, Foley opted for a switch to Brugge where he has spent the last three years of his playing career.

During the height of Foley’s career, he was even capped six times under the reign of Mick McCarthy. This addition is another positive move for Limerick, and the Blues will come into the First Division campaign as red hot favourites.

Limerick also confirmed the signing of ex-Cork City winger Derek O’Brien. Following a trial match against Sligo Rovers in Terryland Park, in which O’Brien scored for the Blues, the club have agreed to sign him on a permanent basis. 

Having been around the league for some amount of time, Derek’s knowledge is another positive for Limerick, as well as his evident ability. Ironically, O’Brien scored the only goal against Limerick in Cork’s 1-0 home win last season at Turners Cross. 

Playing on the wing, Derek possesses pace and fantastic crossing ability. It was his cross from which Graham Cummins headed the title winning goal in Tolka Park on the penultimate day of last year’s campaign. 
Derek started out with Tralee Dynamos, his local side before making the step up to Galway United. Soon after, he transferred to Connacht rivals Sligo, before returning to Terryland once more.

Inchicore was his next destination, before returning to United one final time. Tommy Dunne picked him up for the 2011 First Division campaign. O’Brien had been training with SD Galway before signing his deal with the Blues for 2012.