LIMERICK FC have announced the signing of midfielder Shane Duggan from Cork City at a press briefing on Wednesday morning.
The 24-year-old Limerick native was signed by Limerick manager Stuart Taylor after five years at Turner’s Cross, where he caught the eye for his performances with the Leesiders in 2013.
Duggan joined Plymouth Argyle as an 18-year-old in 2007, returning home after one year to play with UCD before moving to Cork in February 2009. He made 30 league appearances for the Leesiders this season, scoring six goals.
He spoke of his delight at signing for his hometown club, believing that further good times lie ahead for Limerick FC following a solid return season to the Premier Division.
He also reflected with huge positivity on his five years at Cork City and is confident that he will adapt quickly to Taylor’s expansive style of football, something which he has praised.
The ex-Fairview Rangers man said: “I’m delighted to come home playing. I’ve been really impressed with the style of football Limerick have been playing. I was talking to Stuart as well and I was saying that I want to be a part of that. I had five seasons down in Cork and I loved it down there but I just feel a change is needed for me and I’m delighted to be home.
“You like playing against the top teams and Limerick was one of the hardest places where we came to play. They beat us twice and they gave us a bit of a roasting in Thomond Park the second time we played them there, but I’m just happy to be a part of it now.
“When I first signed for Cork they were full-time and one of the best clubs in the country. I still think they’re one of the biggest clubs in the country. I loved it at Cork. It was a great learning curve and I played with some great players like Colin Healy and Joe Gamble. You learn a lot from them and I loved my time down there. I made great friends down there.
“It was my fifth season down in Cork and I just said that my time was up really. I wanted to come back up to Limerick. I’ve a girlfriend and a kid in Cork as well so I’m looking to get a house in Limerick and move up here full-time.
“I’ve always had plans of coming back to play for Limerick. With the plans the club has in place for the next few seasons, I think Limerick will be right up there contesting for trophies and I just hope to be a part of that. I think I fit into the style of play that Stuart is looking for. I like to pass and move and Stuart likes to play out from the back and bring the midfielders into it. He plays with a lot of freedom and that’s something I like. I like getting in the box and scoring goals.
“Over the last few years the progression they have made has been fantastic and they’re still looking for more progression. I’m just happy, to be honest.”
