Limerick launch new Jersey and Corporate sponsors

Today saw Eircom League First Division side Limerick 37 FC host a press conference to launch their new jersey for the 2008 season. Limerick, who yesterday announced they will be known as just Limerick FC from next season onwards, held a briefing at the Limerick Marriot Hotel.

In attendance were Chairman Jack McCarthy, CEO Andrew Mawhinney, and Manager Mike Kerley. All three outlined their plans for the future of the club, and also launched the new club jersey for the current season with the help of Limerick native Leanne Moore, who recently won RTE’s You’re a Star, and players Dave Ryan and Wayne Colbert. Limerick were proud to announce that local radio station Limerick’s Live 95FM have again come on board as main shirt sponsors, and have been joined for the new season by Connolly for Men, the Limerick Marriott, and Continental Airlines as associate sponsors. In addition the non commercial Sporting Limerick logo will also appear on the sleeve of the new jersey provided by new kit sponsors Umbro. Sporting Limerick, backed by Limerick businessman J.P McManus, has been the main sponsors of Limerick GAA for the past four years.

Speaking at the press conference, Jack McCarthy, Chairman of Limerick FC said “These are extremely positive times for senior soccer in Limerick, and I believe the hard work that has been put in off the field is paying dividends with a new found acceptance of the club by the business community. I would therefore like to thank all our corporate sponsors and supporters who have rowed in behind our vision for the club, and whose support is helping ensure a bright future for the club. On the field, Mike Kerley and his team have had a very encouraging start to the season, and I believe the marketing and promotion campaign that we have outlined this morning will ensure the team has even greater support in the coming weeks and months. I am also delighted to announce that new national team manager Giovanni Trapattoni has agreed to be the guest of honour at a gala corporate dinner that will take place on October 16th of this year in the Castletroy Park Hotel, just days after Ireland’s first home qualifier in the World Cup.”

Andrew Mawhinney, Chief Executive of Limerick FC spoke of the importance of corporate support, saying: “The main aim of the commercial side of the club is to present Limerick FC as a viable option for the corporate market as well as broadening the appeal of the professional soccer to the Limerick sporting public in general. I am delighted therefore that Limerick’s Live 95FM and David Tighe in particular have once again shown their commitment to senior soccer in Limerick by coming on board as our title shirt sponsors. Live 95FM is a very strong local brand and the station has continually demonstrated its commitment to Limerick through its sponsorship of the County’s Hurling & Football Championship, St Patrick’s Day Parades and Munster rugby events to name but a few.

In addition the new support of an established local business such as Connolly for Men, coupled with that of strong international brands such as the Limerick Marriott and Continental Airlines reflects the kind of brand we are trying to build for Limerick FC. We are also delighted that a number of local businesses have come on board as Business Partners, namely GHQ Design, Richmond Recruitment, Setanta Sports, Advance Security and Limerick Regeneration. The local press are instrumental in the promotion and subsequent success of the club, and to this end we are delighted that Live 95FM’s on air coverage will be complemented by the Limerick Independent, Limerick Leader and Limerick Post who have all come on board as Print Media Partners.

There is no doubt there is support for senior soccer in Limerick, and both Jack and I are of the strong belief that the Limerick sporting public will start supporting Limerick FC in greater numbers now that they can have confidence in the way the club is run both on and off the field. ”

David Tighe, Chief Executive, Limerick’s Live 95FM, speaking at the unveiling of the new jersey, said: “Limerick’s Live 95FM are fully committed to providing the local community with the very best in sports coverage and take great pride in our association with Limerick FC. I would like to wish Jack and Andrew every success in their endeavours at the helm of Limerick FC and wish Mike and his players the best of luck for the season ahead.”