Limerick FC have ‘nothing to report’

DESPITE a raft of rumours concerning the financial state of Limerick FC officials at the League of Ireland club have “nothing to report”.
An article appeared in the Irish Times on Friday morning stating that the 72-year-old club could be “wound-up” this week, but despite appeals made by Leader Sport to Limerick FC the club have refused to release a statement outlining their position. Two separate appeals were made to the club over the weekend to make a public statement regarding the financial state of the club, but last night a club official said that there was “nothing to report” and that the club would not make a statement until “we know where we stand”.
Rumours suggest that the club will meet with representatives of the FAI today in an effort to determine the future of the club while fears are also rife that Jack McCarthy’s relationship with Limerick FC has come to an end - McCarthy was unveiled as chairman of the club on January 21, 2008 last, but it is now thought that Mr. McCarthy is willing to cut his ties with Limerick FC. Furthermore it is thought that Limerick FC’s chances of making a return to the Market’s Field are dwindling.
Just three weeks ago Limerick FC board member Andrew Mawhinney told Leader Sport that the future of the League of Ireland outfit would be determined by a high-profile friendly which the Super Blues hoped to host at Thomond Park with Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town heralded as possible opposition - a degree of uncertainty surrounds the possibility of whether that high-profile friendly will now go ahead.
It is now beholden on the club, for the sake of the players and the supporters, to issue a statement and bring the rumour mill to a grinding halt.
Unfortunately financial turmoil has over-shadowed Limerick FC’s preparations for this weekend’s crucial First Division clash with Shelbourne on Friday night at Jackman Park (7.45pm).
Last weekend, in the FAI Ford Cup, St. Patrick’s Athletic, thanks for a fortunate 1-0 victory over the Super Blues, ensured that the league is all Limerick FC have to play for the remainder of this season. And if Limerick hope to force their way into promotion contention they will have to get a result against high-flying Shelbourne.
The Super Blues last met Shelbourne at Tolka Park, on March 27 and lost 1-0, but Limerick FC did made life more than difficult for the Dublin outfit on the night.

BRIAN MCDONNELL