O'Leary overjoyed netting cup winner

Limerick FC secured their twelfth Munster Senior Cup after defeating Cork City by a goal to nil on Monday afternoon. Despite not starting as well as most expected, this trophy may well be the turning point in their season that Pat Scully’s men needed.

In a game dominated by Limerick, Cork City’s young XI certainly did their club proud; producing a fine display which almost took the Shannonsiders to extra time. David O’Leary’s injury time winner secured that Jackman Park hosted its local side claiming victory in the final.

Extratime.ie caught up with the goal scorer to gather his thoughts on his first medal at senior level.

Young O’Leary, who ironically hails from Cork, highlighted just how crucial it is to have a trophy under their belts.

“It is very important because of the effort the team, the management and Pat O’ Sullivan especially, put in. To have some silverware to show off the good work that has been done is important, and again hopefully it is the first of many for the club”.

Being just twenty years of age, O’Leary is only beginning his footballing career, but is relieved to have gotten his first honour.

“My first senior trophy/medal is always going to be a special one. This is also a positive for the club as it is the first trophy of a possible four that we can win.”

Massive celebrations ensued at Jackman Park when the “home” fans saw their side score late on. O’Leary gave his account of the crucial moment.

“I saw the ball go down the left to Rory Gaffney and with him taking on the full back I made my way into the box and just happened to be in the right place at the right time when the cross was delivered to slot home from a tight angle.”

While many might say that this trophy has become outdated and its value is merely traditional, the Limerick midfielder denies any claim that the trophy itself is worthless.

“Just looking at the reaction from my team mates and the supporters when the goal was scored just shows how much it means to everyone involved in the club.”

Coming from Blackrock, David admits that scoring against City was somewhat unusual for him.

“It was a bit strange for me at first playing against a team who I supported as a youngster by going out to The Cross but a win is a win and I’ll take it any day of the week against any opposition.”

While the entire club celebrated the cup win, some would suggest that the biggest cheer of the lot came from the club’s chairman Pat O’Sullivan. O’Leary paid tribute to the man who made the club’s current stature possible.

“When I signed for this club two and a half years ago, it was Pat O’ Sullivan who sold the club to me with his hunger and ambition for the club it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. You could see the delight in him with the victory and holding the cup aloft but knowing Pat, he will push us even further for more success and to have more days like yesterday.”

It was rather unusual for O’Leary to pop up with a goal. He acknowledges this himself.

“Anytime I score, which is seldom, it is special to me but to score in injury time, the winner, and for us to win the first trophy since 2006 makes it that bit sweeter.”

On a personal note, O’Leary added that he has set ambitions for the year.

“I want to cement my place in the starting eleven and hopefully win promotion to the premier division. There are four trophies to play for and we will try and win them all, but the league is most important for me.”

O’Leary also paid tribute to his manager for the job he has done in preparing everyone for not only the final, but the league campaign in general. The Limerick boss had received a lot of negativity recently and appeared to be under pressure, but the midfielder believes it to be premature.

“Pat has shown that he is capable of bringing success to whatever club he has been with in the past and there is no doubt in my mind that he will bring even more silverware to this club.”

The Munster champions will look to continue their recent form when they travel to Terryland Park to tackle SD Galway on Friday evening.