MAYOR Gerald Mitchell heaped praise on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Limerick Ladies FC being at the heart of the establishment of women’s football in Ireland.
Ahead of the festive season, Mayor Mitchell hosted a reception for Limerick FC, inaugural winners of the Women’s League of Ireland in 1973, a title which was retained by the club the following season, while the group also captured the first FAI cup in 12975.
Mayor Mitchell that that the “Limerick team of 1973 were more than just a group of great soccer players, but role models for a generation of young players in Limerick and across Ireland.”
“The achievement by these Limerick trailblazers ensure that Limerick will forever be associated with the formation, and success, of women’s football in Ireland.
“Yours is a permanent legacy, which cannot be erased.”
Mayor Mitchell revealed that “Gerry McAnaney, FAI (Football Association of Ireland) president, wrote to me on behalf of the association to express his gratitude for the recognition of these exceptional players on their 50 year anniversary.”
“The team was formed and managed in 1973 by Frank ‘Junior’ Keane, without whose support and dedication these achievements would not have been possible.”
Mr Keane passed away shortly before Christmas, after a brief illness, on December 18.
“As Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, I congratulate you all on your exploits and endeavours on the field and Limerick is very proud of you all, and you are wonderful Ambassadors for our sporting City and County,” Mayor Mitchell said.
Many of those pioneering Limerick players were part of the first Republic of Ireland Women’s Football team around the same time.
