Season Preview: Limerick

Limerick FC

Year Founded: 1937
Stadium: Thomond Park
Manager: Stuart Taylor
Key Player: Danny Galbraith

Limerick FC are about to embark on their first Premier Division campaign in nineteen years having found themselves struggling in the second tier for almost two decades. There appears to be an air of optimism on Shannonside, complimented by wholesale changes at the club – both managerially and in terms of playing personnel.

While the appointment of Stuart Taylor arrived later than expected, the Scot turned his attention to cross-channel talent, securing the signatures of Robbie Williams and Danny Galbraith as well as completing deals for Stephen Folan and Jonathan Tiffoney. Axel Bossekota and Craig Curran (on loan from Rochdale) are the last of Taylor's announced signings for the club to date, a couple more additions are expected in the coming days.

Limerick have also lost a few of last year's squad to other Airtricity League sides. Denis Behan and Sean Brosnan, neither of whom received a contract extension, headed to Cork City to start afresh, although the former is well acquainted with Turners Cross having spent a long spell there before signing for League One side Hartlepool. Corie Treacy also agreed a deal with Longford Town.

While the majority of friendlies against Irish sides were used as a squad assessment for the new man in charge, Limerick went on tour to Scotland to face Dundee United and Hibernian line-ups. It was here that the majority of pre-season work was done, on top of their strenuous fitness resigme.

An Alan Murphy strike for Mervue United against Waterford United secured promotion for Limerick back in October, despite United getting the better of Limerick on all four meetings between the sides last year. With a new era approaching for Limerick football, the sky is the limit on Shannonside, despite consolidation being the order of the day for most fans.