Asking Limerick's Politicians for Help

[LFC in Exile]

In the interests of doing something instead of talking I have written to each of Limerick public representatives to ask for their help in sorting out our mess. This is the letter I have sent.

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You will no doubt be aware of the off-field problems being encountered by Limerick FC this season. The Chairman resigned recently and the club’s financial situation has not improved and there is now a very real possibility that Limerick will be without a senior football team for the first time since the club’s formation in 1937.

As a supporter of the club the developments of the last number of months have caused me great concern. There does not seem to be an appreciation of the dire position that club is in, even on the part of those on its management committee.

I am writing to you as a public representative to request your assistance in saving Limerick FC from extinction. Limerick is portrayed as a sporting city. It is hard to see how we can continue to claim to be a sporting city if we have no senior soccer team, particularly when other towns of a much smaller size such as Longford, Athlone, Kilkenny, Cobh and Sligo (to name but a few) are represented.

The current committee of the club do not seem willing or able to seek the help of the people of Limerick in saving our club. So it is falling to supporters such as myself to mobilise some assistance. The lack of a home ground for the club is a critical factor in its decline. Since losing Hogan Park in Rathbane, in circumstances that have never been explained to supporters as they are, the club has been forced to pay to use Jackman Park and now the Pike Field. Pike Rovers have been very good to the club, displaying a level of friendship to senior soccer that has long been absent from other junior clubs.

Many other clubs in the eircom League use council owned grounds. These include Galway, Bray, Derry and Sligo. The councils own the grounds but award a long lease to the clubs that enables them to receive funding from the FAI for ground development. The FAI has indicated that they would be willing to support senior soccer in Limerick if the club had a long-term lease or ownership of its own ground.

There is a wonderful opportunity now available for Limerick senior soccer to be put on a steady footing and to be awarded a bright future. The Markets Field is no longer used by Bord na gCon. It appears to be available for sale. It cannot, under current rules, be used for development.

I would like you to use your influence to ensure that this remains the case. Also, to raise the possibility that the council would purchase that land for use as a sporting venue for the entire city and county, with Limerick FC as anchor tenants. This would enable the club to approach the FAI for support in developing the ground.

This situation is now urgent, without a quick response the club will fold. Only then will the people of Limerick appreciate what they lost and will ask how it could have been allowed to happen.

This is a solution that would bring huge benefits to the city, and I would appreciate your comments on this idea. If you would like to discuss this proposal with a member of Limerick FC’s supporters club I would be happy to arrange that.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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This may have no impact whatsoever, but at least its something. If anyone would like to do something similar then below is a list of all of the TDs and Cllrs for the city.

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Cllr. John Gilligan, Limerick City Council, City Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Kieran O'Hanlon,Limerick City Council, City Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Larry Cross,Limerick City Council,City Hall,Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Kieran Walsh,Limerick City Council,City Hall,Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Ger Fahy,19 McDermott Avenue,Janesboro,Limerick
Cllr. Jack Bourke,Limerick City Council,City Hall,Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Diarmuid Scully, 19 Lynwood Park, Ballysimon Road, Co Limerick
Cllr. Lilly Wallis,Limerick City Council,City Hall,Merchants Quay,Limerick
Ald. Pat Kennedy,Limerick City Council,City Hall,Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Maria Byrne, Limerick City Council, City Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Joe Leddin, 4 Clyde Mews, Alphonsus Street, Limerick
Cllr. Dick Sadlier, Limerick City Council, City Hall, Merchants Quay,Limerick
Minister Willie O'Dea, 2 Glenview Gardens, Farranshone, Limerick
Jan O'Sullivan T.D., 7 Lanahrone Avenue, Corbally, Limerick
Michael Noonan, T.D., 18 Gouldavoher Estate, Fr. Russell Road, Limerick
Cllr John Ryan, 24 New Westfield, North Circular Road, Limerick
Cllr. Kathleen Leddin, Limerick City Council, City Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. John Cronin, Limerick City Council, City Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick
Cllr. Micheal Hourigan,Carrig Donn,Revington Park, North Circular Road, Limerick
Peter Power T.D.,Kilfeara,Ennis Road,Limerick
Tim O'Malley, T.D.,Minister of State,Milltown,Ballysimon,Co Limerick


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If anyone wants me to email the list or letter to them just holler. I'll let you know of any responses.

[JohnD]

Excellent work LFC . Lets just hope we get a good response. Sponsorship came in from Charlotte Quay this week so maybe (I dont know) the Players will get paid this week

John

[Cityace]

Politicians helping? you sure about that?

[LFC in Exile]

If you don't ask then you don't get.

A lesson taught us by our committee.

[lims fan]

that is the most constructive thing any fan of the club has done this year and I am of the opinion that an all out boycott of games to remove the committee is our best shot as well.

Unprodustive meetings are killing us, action is needed not more bloody talk.
This is a very positive step taken by you and i think an all out boycott has to follow this.
Well done.

[joeSoap]

well done LFCIE...very positive.Lets hope that it generates the response and reaction it deserves.:ball:

[The Blue Oyster]

yea good job l.f.c. lets hope at least one of tjem contacts you back

[KEVIN 2]

well done,the sooner we move back to the markets field the better.

[joeSoap]

Any word back from any of our much lauded public representatives??

[LFC in Exile]

Not yet Joe. But I did use my parents address in Limerick (no votes no response), so I am expecting a sack of letters when I head up to the Bray match. Am I being too optimistic? :rolleyes:

[joeSoap]

You're always saying that I'm too pessimistic...which is probably true...so too much optimism from another side can only balance things out.:D :D
I hope you're not though, and that theres some response:ball:

[deise deserter]

Great work LFC IE.

Hope to see you Sunday.

[Nempton]

Just to let ye all know that I've contacted as many radio stations and newspapers both national and local to try and publicise Limerick FC's efforts to get back into the Marketsfield. If ye could all do the same then we could generate some support for the move and some interest in the club as well. It shouldn't just be LFC in Exile contacting all these people about the club it should be us as well. I'm not going to say congrats to him but instead thanks for giving us a kick up the backside and reminding us that action is better than words.
This is our chance to get back into the Marketsfield, a lot of ye have mouthed off about this been the solution to Limericks problems, well heres your chance, now do something about it.

Also well done to Gael and John D for the posters, keep it up lads.

[LFC in Exile]

One response so far to my letter. It came from John Gilligan.

I quote "As a member of the board of market trustees we sold the freehold of the Markets Field to Bord na gCon on advice from our solicitors who said they had established a claim to it. I had, at that time, with the local residents of Garryown, discussed their future plans for developing the grounds with Mr. M. Fields, CEO, and his officials. This included a new stadium, new car park and discussions to bring back senior soccer. After the deal was done they went back on their word and said that they wanted to sell the field for commercial development. I organised a petition signed by all 17 members of the council refusing to re-zone the area.

There the matter has stood until very recently when I understand that some compromise proposals have been mooted, but not yet discussed. Let me assure you if these proposals do not include a return of soccer I will oppose them and organise opposition inside and outside the council."

Make of that what you will.

I understand that there are proposals around for this development. I think each of us can apply some pressure on the council who will have a say in whether this land is rezoned or not. The list of councillors is further up in this thread. All it takes is a letter or an email so that they realise that someone is interested in this issue. If we wait for the board to do it I suspect it will not get done.

[LFC in Exile]

Wanted to bring this thread to the top in case it hadn't been noticed.

[JohnD]

We got to see the plans at the SC meeting on Sunday. Basically it involves rezoning some part (~2Acres) of the venues as Commercial usuage and the remaining 2.5 ish as Free Space.

The Pitch to be revolved 90 degrees from it's original position and a 7000 capacity stadium built with FAI cash. 2000 Seats and rest standing. It will have 3 exits and meet UEFA requirements.

Where we are at is that there is a meeting this week between the Co-ordination offce, Corpo and Bord na Gcon. The latter seem happy as now they will be able to make some money on the sale.
John Guilligan seems happy so lets wait and see what happens next.

John

[joeSoap]

any chance this link could be made 'sticky' so it stays prominent??

[LFC in Exile]

Originally posted by JohnD
Where we are at is that there is a meeting this week between the Co-ordination offce, Corpo and Bord na Gcon.

Sounds interesting John. By the way, who are the Co-ordination Office? Are they some Planning Office in the Corpo or something?

It would be great if this was sorted out before the end of the season - to encourage the players and supporters that there is a future.

[sadloserkid]

Originally posted by joeSoap
any chance this link could be made 'sticky' so it stays prominent??

Every chance Joe. :)

[JohnD]

I am not sure exactly who they are but It must have something to do with the yearly development plan that is agreed by Limerick City Council.

From what I can gather the vibes are good and to use Ralph's words "Cautious Optimism". It is vital that this is sorted before the end of the season as We will not be playing senior football next year if it is not it seems to me. Also we need to hold the squad together so some positive plans are needed.

As soon as I know more I will post. I know it's off topic but Cobh match is now on Fri at 8pm

John

[paudie]

good to see some progress being made on the Markets Field project.

Might be a good idea to keep pressure on the local TD's to ensure they know people are behind the plans.

I think if you check www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas it gives the email address of all TDs and senators so it might be no harm to get as many fans as poss to contact them about this.

It's quicker and easier than letters and might get more people involved.

Best of luck with the plans and against Queenstown tonight .www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas (http://www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas)

[LFC in Exile]

Agreed Paudie. We should all make our opinions known. we can be cynical and say what difference will it make, but what harm can it do either. Give them a chance to help by asking. You don't ask you don't get.

[LFC in Exile]

An update on responses received. These are extracts from all of the further responses received, So far I have received responses from John Gilligan and those quoted below.

Jan O'Sullivan: "I feel very strongly as you obviously do that senior soccer should not be lost in Limerick. We succeeded in resisting (having large numbers of houses built on the site of the Markets Field) by refusing to have the area re-zoned. I would fully support its use as a home for Limerick FC. The difficulty may be in trying to raise the fundas as Limerick City Council indicated in the past they did not have the money, but certainly that could be explored.

Maybe you could give me a ring (mobile number included) with a view to meeting yourselves and then subsequently arranging a meeting with the City Council. "

Tim O'Malley: "I would like to discuss this further with you." Office number and times provided.

Kieran O'Hanlon: "You will be pleased to see that the Management Committee of LFC is actively pursuing you suggestion. (A letter from them to the Council is included setting out proposals - not included - for the MF) However, I must caution that without sufficient funding and proper planning, this may not be achieved. I would be delighted to see soccer returning to the MF.

I would be willing to discuss your concerns and suggestions at any time and as Chairman of the Limerick City Sports Partnership, I would be only too delighted to lend my support to Limerick FC and see their return to the MF."

Maria Byrne: "I certainly share your concern regarding the future of Senior Football in Limerick.

The MF is still in use as a greyhound track and my understanding is that this usage is likely to continue for some time. The venue is owned by Bord na gCon and is not available for sale at present.

I foresee that it will be at least 3 – 4 years before this site may be for sale as they have not as yet applied for planning permission at another venue.

I would certainly like to assist in solving this problem.”

Dick Sadlier: “I would like nothing more than to see this venue (the MF) being again used as the home of Limerick soccer. In this regard, I have spoken to a numbe rof parties and, while I cannot say I am confident, I am certainly hopeful that progress will be made.

It is always encouraging to know that, in spite of many years of adversity, Limerick senior soccer is still very close to the hearts of many loyal Limerick supporters.”

Peter Power: “I too am deeply concerned about the very pessimistic future for Limerick FC. As somebody who attended matches for years in the MF, I would be particularly anxious to meet with you and the supporters club to discuss this (or any other) proposal.

I would be grateful if you would contact me as soon as possible when you receive this letter in order to arrange for a convenient appointment.”

Willie O’Dea: “I have now been in touch with Limerick City Council about this matter and while it is virtually certain as I understand it that the MF will not be rezoned for development, nevertheless, it is quite another matter to persuade Limerick City Council to buy it.

The Council have informed me that they would have to get a loan to do so and frankly it will not be on top of their priority list at the moment because things are very tight. However, I have discussed it with the manager and I have sent your correspondence to him for his observations.”

My own observations on this are:
1.MF won’t be rezoned for full development.
2.There is some good will towards the club and we should take these guys up on their offers of meeting. It is important to keep this issue on their radars.
3.Maria Byrne said that there is no planning application for the new greyhound stadium. This is very interesting for two reasons. First, there is no sign of them moving on quickly. Second, can Limerick approach them to play there for a few seasons.
4.Anyone got JP MacManus’ phone number?
5.This was a worthwhile thing to do – and I think we should look into getting a couple of them ob board before the Nov 17 meeting.

Anyone else got any other points to make?

[deise deserter]

Great work LFC in Exile.

I think the next plan of attack is to take all of these politicians up on their offers of meetings. As you point out there is significant gooswill there and we should take as much advantage of it as possible.

[4tothefloor]

Set up all of the meetings, get them ALL on board. Approaching BnaG about using the Markets Field for a few seasons, if thats what needs be, mightn't be a bad idea. Any move there would be a positive one and a step forward to one day playing there permenently.

As for JP's number.....if he's willing to put 50 big ones on the table for a national stadium, surely he'd be willing to help out his local side with some contribution. I mean, the city council's and the Fai's cash will be involved aswell.

[gael353]

I gave JP McManus;s no to two people on our committee both his own personel mobile and his island retreat home no. i think if we the supporters get in touch with him we'll get doe neaded to buy it but in the meantime we do a deal with BNG and rent with an intension to buy. Also there is a second propety, council owned which we could get going into partnership with a certain group close to my heart. Even though the markets field is our spiritulal home its no harm to make good links with other bodies and other sports. i still have those numbers by the way and can get any details of anyone in any tax haven ;0

[sadloserkid]

I've unstuck this cos it's a bit dated now. If people I shoulda left it just say so and I can put it back.