Mervue United manager Tom French declared himself pleased after his side drew 1-1 with Limerick FC in their opening match of the new Airtricity League season.

The Galway-based outfit feel behind to a John Tierney goal, but got back on level terms when Kevin Barrett fired in a goal that proved to be enough to earn a point for the home team.

It was French's first league game in charge of the club and he was eager to look on the bright side of drawing against a team who he believes are destined to be fighting for promotion from the First Division.

"Over all I'm happy with the result and nice to get our first point on the table," said French.

"Limerick were a strong physical side with a good bit of experience with the likes of Sean Kelly who played with Galway United last year in the middle. They won’t be far away from top four this season.

"For us fielding only three players over 20 was a learning curve and it was a game where we showed we are up for it physically. Ger Hanley made a great debut for us pulling off some fantastic saves to keep us in it.

"Overall the teams work rate and togetherness got us the point. We will learn from this and move on as a better team from it. It’s a long season and I believe we will get stronger along the way."