LIMERICK FC have secured the services of two players who were instrumental in their promotion winning season of 2012. Defender Pat Purcell and midfielder Dave O’Leary have agreed deals to remain with the club as they continue preparations for their long-awaited return to Premier Division football.
Purcell captained the Blues to the First Division title last year and he had no hesitation in pinning his colours to the Limerick FC mast for another campaign.
Speaking to limerickfc.ie, Purcell said: ”I’m delighted to agree terms. It’s been a long term goal of mine to get promoted with Limerick. I have huge enthusiasm going into the Premier Division with the club and also playing at Thomond Park.
“I look forward to working with the new manager. It’s an exciting time to be involved with the club. It’s going from strength to strength and the professional standards are improving all the time. Who wouldn’t want to be involved?”
Last season’s Players’ Young Player of the Year O’Leary has also signed a new deal with Limerick FC, whom he joined three years ago from Cork City.
He had recently been a member of the Ireland squad at the FIFPRO Tournament in Norway, which was coached by previous Blues manager Pat Scully.
O’Leary said of his decision to stay with Limerick FC: “I’m delighted to agree terms again. It has been a great experience and there has been great support at the club. I’m looking forward to playing at Thomond Park and I am looking forward to a successful season”. New manager Stuart Taylor is settling into his role as the countdown to the March 8 kick-off against Cork City continues.He expressed his delight at securing the services of Purcell and O’Leary as he assembles his squad for the new season.
“It’s fantastic to have Pat back on board after the successful season the club had last year. We want to set the standards in the dressing room. Pat knows want it means to play for Limerick and we want his passionate and commitment to rub off on new players coming to the club,” he said of Pat Purcell.
Speaking about O’Leary, Taylor added: ”It’s fantastic that David has agreed terms. He’s a fantastic young player and a exceptional talent who sets the standards for young players coming through the system at Limerick. It’s important for the future of the football club that we continue to keep good young players with David’s ability and attitude. He has a good head on young shoulders and he sees Limerick as a big part of progressing his career”.
In other news, the draw has taken place for the fourth round of the FAI Umbro Youth Cup which will take place on the weekend of February 24.
After three regional rounds, the competition moved to an open draw format for the Fourth Round which will feature the last 16 teams in the competition. Because of the outstanding Third Round games still to be played, only four of the eight pairings are known at this stage but they promise to be fascinating fixtures. Local side Fairview Rangers will host Edenderry Town or Maynooth Town.
The draw in full is:
Letterkenny Rovers v Swords Celtic
Castlebridge Celtic v St Brendan’s Park or Killarney Celtic,
Knocklyon United or St Patrick’s Athletic v Mervue United, Tullamore Town v Castlebar Celtic, Fairview Rangers v Edenderry Town or Maynooth Town, Leeds or Castleview v Tramore, Ballynanty Rovers v Buttevant and Cahir Park v Dundalk.
Fixtures to be played on week-ending February 24.
