Limerick FC Preview 2012

Last season: 4th (First Division).

In: Shane Guthrie, Stephen Bradley (St Patrick’s Athletic), Dominic Foley (Cercle Brugge), Derek O’Brien (Cork City).

Out: Chris Breen (Finn Harps), Peter Hynes (Drogheda United), John Frost (Waterford United), Brian McCarthy (Athlone Town), Jeffrey Judge (Pike Rovers), Thomas Lyons (Janesboro), Garvan Broughall (Athlone Town).

Manager: Pat Scully.

Stadium: Jackman Park.

Pat Scully’s men are a shoe-in to be First Division champions according to the bookmakers. Limerick are forty eight times more likely to win the First Division than second favourites Waterford United and it can’t be denied that Limerick have a squad that would be well capable of competing in the top tier of Irish football. With the Blues shocking most of the country by securing the signature of Stephen Bradley, Premier Division football appears to be on the horizon. 

The Shannonsiders finished just three points off champions Cork City last season, and somehow still managed to finish outside the playoffs behind second-place Shelbourne and Monaghan United in third. Pat Purcell will captain his side into this 28 game First Division campaign with absolutely no doubt that there is only one aim for the club this season, and that is repeating the feat of Munster neighbour Cork as they lifted the First Division trophy last year.

It was the smaller teams that Limerick had the poor results against last season. It was a bit of a contrast to previous years, in which Limerick could not beat the sides ahead of them. Following the departure of Shelbourne, Monaghan and Cork to the top flight, Limerick will have to maintain focus if they are to be crowned champions at the end of the year.

The future of the club is currently being integrated into the present, and a winning formula is expected. In what is perhaps the best squad Limerick have had since their relegation in the mid-90s from the top flight, the expectation is higher than it has ever been. Should Limerick remain calm and focused, their ability should shine through, and the Shannonsiders should be headed for the top tier after an exodus almost totalling 20 years.

ExtraTime.ie Prediction: 1st