LIMERICK FC have announced their third signing for next season with former Ireland U-21 winger Daniel Kearns joining from Sligo Rovers.
Kearns, who came to prominence with Dundalk, impressed Limerick FC boss Neil McDonald during his time at the Showgrounds and is looking to return to his best at the Markets Field after a couple of quiet seasons.
“I’m happy to get it all done and dusted today,” Kearns said after signing. “I spoke with the manager last week and got things sorted; I had a good chat with him. I’m looking to come in now, get started and get settled.
“Once I heard there was a bit of interest with my agent back and forth, I think it was important to speak to the manager and see what his plans and his views were for the season ahead. Once I listened to what he had to say, it was something that I wanted to get on board with. I’m glad it’s all done now and I can look forward to pre-season.
“I think it has (been a while since I hit my top gear), if I’m being honest with myself. It has been a sort of up and down last couple of years. I don’t think I’ve hit my peak fitness or my peak form for the last couple of years. Touch wood, that’s behind me.
“Now, I’m fully focused on getting down for pre-season, hopefully having a good pre-season, keep myself fit and help my team as much as I can. I want to start enjoying my football again and start enjoying my game.
“I want to get 25-30 games under my belt. I haven’t really had a full season like that in a number of years – that’s my main aim and focus at the minute. I want to enjoy my football next year and have a full season – hopefully, I can do that here.”
When Kearns left Dundalk he joined English side Peterborough Utd and also had spells with York City, Rotherham Utd, Chesterfield and Northern Irish side Glenavon, before moving to Sligo.
He caught the eye in Sligo’s scoreless draw with Limerick at the Markets Field in July, and McDonald is “looking forward” to working with him in the coming months.
“I watched Sligo a few times and Daniel was always one that hit me,” Neil said. “He’s exciting on the ball, he takes people on and we are looking forward to him doing that in our squad, along with scoring more goals.
“When I spoke to him he was really excited about coming here. We want to work with Daniel and make him better. He’s 26; he gives us experience of the Premier Division, he has a good pedigree, and we welcome him to Limerick.”
Kearns’ signing is Limerick’s third since the 2017 season finished. He follows Cobh’s Cian Coleman and Finn Harps’ Danny Morrissey in joining the Super Blues.
You can listen to Daniel Kearns’ first interview with Limerick FC here:
