PAUL Harman has been appointed as the new strength and conditioning coach of the Limerick senior football team.
Harman takes over the role from Leo Morrisson, who was a key defender with Monaleen in their recent brilliant capture of the All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling Championship.
On the GAA front, Harmon played in his youth with Claughaun and in adulthood alongside the likes of Tyrone’s Stephen O’Neill and Kevin Hughes for a period with San Francisco’s Ulster Club.
With the stateside club, Harman won a North American Senior Football Championship.
Harmon, however, is perhaps best known for his soccer exploits, having spent some of his youth with Glasgow Celtic, and representing Ireland at both underage and amateur level.
He also collected a remarkable four FAI Junior Cup medals with Fairview Rangers.
The prolific sportsman qualified with a degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports and Exercise Science from University of Limerick in 2013, followed by a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Trinity College, Dublin.
Harman also holds a number of sports performance accreditations, including one as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the NCSA (Next College Student Athlete).
He currently works as a full-time firefighter with Limerick City and County Council.
On the field of play, Limerick have suffered National Football League defeats away to Derry and at home to Dublin, but these were to be expected against two of the most fancied teams in the country.
On Sunday, Limerick looked set for a right trimming against odds-on shots Dublin in front of a fine attendance of close on 4,000, but produced an impressive second half showing, a repeat of which could produce positive results in the coming rounds. The final score was 2-17 to 1-11 in Dublin’s favour.
Ray Dempsey’s side have a rest this weekend before the rapid-fire outings against Louth and Cork, both away from home.
Survival in the division is already a priority. A couple of wins will need to happen to avoid the dreaded drop back to Division Three.
Meanwhile, Limerick’s Jonathan Hayes (St Senan’s) will referee the Corn Uí Mhuirí Colleges Football Final between St Brendan’s College (Killarney) and St Francis College (Rochestown) in Mallow on Saturday next (kickoff 1pm).
