Deserves a thread of its own methinks. :)
Limerick FC honoured with Mayoral Reception
Limerick FC were honoured with a Mayoral Reception in City Hall last Friday night for their outstanding contribution to the community.
Speaking at the reception, Mayor Kevin Kiely thanked Limerick FC and Chairman Pat O'Sullivan for the work done by the Club in the Regeneration areas of Limerick, in particular the "Supporting Clubs" initiative which has seen Limerick FC sponsor playing kits and equipment for local clubs Star Rovers, Carew Park, Moyross United, Hyde Rangers and Hill Celtic.
Pat O'Sullivan also took the opportunity to announce that Limerick FC are taking over the running of the Sean Choill training complex in Corbally and offered the facility to local clubs who currently do not have a place to train. In a further gesture of support to local soccer, Limerick FC also made an open offer to the Limerick Schoolboy Council to avail of the superb facilities at the Corbally venue.
While acknowledging the giant steps forward made by the Club in recent times Pat O'Sullivan also reiterated the need for more people to get involved with helping Limerick FC realise their massive potential on the pitch and also to continue to develop the Club's community projects.
In another announcement sure to strike a chord with all sports loving people in Limerick, Pat O'Sullivan confirmed that there is an official offer made for the Markets Field, the spiritual home of Limerick senior soccer. Pat was keen to stress that the Markets Field would be a stadium for the people of Limerick, open to all sports and codes, to all community groups and for the benefit of all Limerick people. However, he said that he couldn't do it alone and it was now up to other bodies to help make the project a reality.
Mayor Kiely pledged the full support of Limerick City Council and urged all other interested parties to step forward at this vital juncture.
During his passionate speech Pat O'Sullivan thanked the volunteers of Limerick FC who kept the Club going through some dark days. Looking forward to a much brighter future, Pat added: "I don't want any of this for myself, that's not what I'm about. I won't be around forever and I want my legacy to be having helped Limerick FC to be a place where all the people, especially the young people from the so-called disadvantaged areas, can realise their potential through sport and education."
Pat thanked the Mayor for his support and also thanked John Coyle of the Shane Geoghan Trust with whom the Club will be working very closely over the coming years to make a real difference in communities across Limerick.
