Limerick hope supporters will follow O’Sullivan’s lead

ALTHOUGH businessman Pat O’Sullivan has come to Limerick FC’s rescue with what has been described as a “significant and generous” contribution to the club coffers Limerick FC now hope that many more will follow Mr. O’Sullivan’s lead.
The Limerick FC management committee and board said that Mr. O’Sullivan has “stepped up to provide substantial financial support”.
The Super Blues club chairman Jack McCarthy added that “several individuals and businesses have already donated between €250 and €500 to the club” while many more members of the public have already signed up to Leo’s Lottery to bolster the club’s finances.


At a public meeting on Sunday night in the Strand Hotel the League of Ireland club revealed that it required €70,000 by next Saturday, June 20 or the club would face financial ruin - the club appealed to the general public for contributions to “ensure the future of Limerick FC”.
Irrespective of Mr. O’Sullivan’s generous contribution the club desperately hope that even more members of the general public will join Leo’s Lottery at a cost of €21 per month.
On Sunday night the club’s management committee went to great lengths to highlight how far Limerick FC had come since the current administration took over just 18 months ago while it also outlined its plans to become a self-sufficient entity through the development of an income-generating facility at Knockalisheen.
Pat O’Sullivan, who originally hails from Ballylanders and owns Galtee Fuels and Green Heat, maintains an interest in all sports.
And, club PRO Joe McSweeney was careful to highlight Mr. O’Sullivan’s generous contribution last evening: “Pat is a local successful business man with a genuine interest in soccer and he has the future of Limerick FC at heart.
“He brings us considerable business acumen and is a very welcome addition to the Limerick FC board.”
Jack McCarthy, Limerick FC chairman, also expressed his appreciation explaining that the “team is fortunate to have a man of his calibre and standing to join us.
“Soccer being the most played sport in the city, county and indeed the entire mid-west can help to keep young people out of mischief and help them become the best they can be,” he said.
Mr. McCarthy also praised the management committee for its “unwavering dedication” and added that “despite the challenges I have grown to love this club and I am thrilled that local investors are getting behind us.
“Limerick deserves a successful football organization just as in the early 1960s and 1980s.
“Pat O’Sullivan is leading the way and with continuing support from the Limerick community we can achieve our financial goals.”
Although the League of Ireland is on a break this week and the Super Blues will not return to competitive action until Thursday, July 2 when they travel to Monaghan United, manager Pat Scully has strengthened his squad further with by signing Cillian O’Connor from Athea United.
Meanwhile the Limerick FC under-20 side play Mervue United in Galway this Saturday in a pre-season friendly - the under-20 league campaign begins on the first week of July.
If you are prepared to make a contribution to the club or wish to join Leo’s Lottery please contact the Super Blues on 061 324 563 or 085 769 4324.

BRIAN MCDONNELL