Each and every player played for the shirt - Russell

Limerick manager Martin Russell says “each and every man played for the shirt” in their fabulous Munster Derby victory, and that they are continuing to “show capabilities that we can get through this”.

The Shannonsiders led and were clawed back twice by Cork City at Turner’s Cross on Friday night, before 18-year-old centre-half Paudie O’Connor – who only received his Leaving Certificate results 48 hours earlier – landed the killer blow with his first senior goal.

The result meant Limerick became the first side other than Dundalk to inflict a home defeat on the Leesiders since June 2013, and it extended their winning streak to three.

With closest rivals Sligo Rovers also winning on the night, the victory was an invaluable one and it now moves them to within seven points of eighth place with nine games remaining.

Limerick were positive from the outset, pinning Cork in their own half for the first quarter-hour where they should have led by more than one, and the manager was pleased with the opportunities they created throughout.

“It feels very good. The performance again was a collective one. Each and every man played for the shirt and delivered something special at Turner’s Cross,” Russell told LimerickFC.ie.

“Their record at home shows how big of an accomplishment it was. The players deserve credit because I think overall we deserved it. There were heroic performances all through the team.

“From an attacking point of view, to score the goals we scored and also missing good opportunities shows you how positive we were in our approach.

“But, equally, Cork had their spells – there’s no doubt about that. That’s where our defending had to be good, big, brave, focussed and by and large it was.

“The support that came down from Limerick again witnessed another group of players giving everything to try to keep that Premier Division status.

“I’m delighted for Paudie because he has been threatening that before. He’s a very determined young centre-back that causes problems by attacking the ball well. As well as his goal, his defending was awesome. I’m very pleased for him.

“Everybody is still to play each other and it’s going to be so competitive right to the end. We’re getting belief now that come whatever game it is we’re showing capabilities that we can get through this.

“There is not as big a swing now on points. There is still plenty to be played for. It’s hard to predict what is going to happen but we’re in a better position now than we were a few weeks ago, so that’s great.”

Russell is able to call on experienced defensive duo Shaun Kelly and Patrick Kanyuka on Monday night as they return to the squad following suspension. And the boss admits it gives him a welcome selection headache.

“Of course it does, and they are the types of ones you want,” he said, “because both of those did great against Sligo and Bohs.

“But as I’ve always said, if we can get healthy competition throughout the squad it’s going to make you a stronger outfit. Hopefully, it’s heading that way.”

Asked if it would be hard to get his players’ feet back on the ground for Monday, Martin added: “It’s part of the issue that we have to address and make sure that, while we enjoy the night, we focus on Longford quite quickly.

“Again, we look for our fans to come out and cheer on the boys, and try to build on this momentum that we’re gaining. The ones that were in Cork were great.

“We want that atmosphere that was created in the last couple of games that we’ve managed to win at the Markets Field, and the fans to help encourage the lads trying to get another win.”

Kick-off against Longford Town at the Markets Field on Monday night is 7.45pm.