Just a thread with a little bit of difference for those of you bored at work during the week. I wrote this article if anyone has nothing better to do and wants to read it. Enjoy :D :ball:
"Away Days”
When the curtain came down on the 2006 season at Hogan Park, who could have thought that Limerick FC had played their last ever League fixture. It was a dark, miserable night, and I am not talking about the weather. A 0-2 defeat to Athlone Town was the end to what was a miserable season for players and fans alike, who were involved with Limerick FC. The future looked bleak and the support, once again, was fading away with a crowd of 300 “hardcores” watching Limerick FC’s last match. What was to follow in the closed season, was the stuff of nightmares for many Limerick fans. The subsequent failure by Limerick FC to obtain a First Division license meant that Limerick fans seemed to realise they might not have a senior football team to follow in the 2007 season. It was something that had not happened in 70 years.
Saying that, who would have thought on the 28th of February 2007 when Limerick37 were formed that over 150 Limerick fans would travel to Cobh to watch Cobh Ramblers versus Limerick37 in Coleman Park. At the beginning of the season there was a sense of a fresh start among Limerick soccer fans. A new name, new players, moving back to Jackman Park and a new sense of Professionalism surrounding the club. It seemed that Limerick37 wanted to do things properly. One man credited for this excellent start, on and off the pitch, is Limerick37 chairman, Ger Finnin. His acknowledgement to the 150+, Limerick fans were travelled to Cobh is a reason to go home happy, despite a 2-1 defeat to Cobh.
Its easy to say, were this passion and support has come from this season. Many supporters of other clubs will ask you, How can Limerick37 fans have such great passion for their club, as its just a few months old. The simple answer is, it doesn’t matter the clubs name, the true football fans in Limerick will support their local club, no matter what. Last Saturday, the 14th July, the majority of the Limerick37 supporters club met in the Still House in Thomas street, Limerick at 1p.m. The atmosphere and tension was growing as one by one, the Still House became a sea of blue. A 49 seated bus was arranged to met us at 2p.m at Arthur’s Key. Pre-match food and analysis were had from 1p.m.
On the bus, it was a great day, to be from Limerick, as we could see the growing support as many new faces joined the Limerick37 supporters club, also known as “The Crazy 37s”. The growing nature of the support for Limerick37 is due to the hard work of the committee of the Limerick37 supporters club. Credit is due to their tireless efforts to arrange and promote these away trips. After the 2 hour journey to Coleman Park, the fans were on edge as we decided to find a pub to pass some time away before the big kick-off at 7:45p.m. This was it, the big Munster Derby. Second against Third. It was a hugely important match, due to Finn Harps excellent form. The “craic” was mighty and the Limerick37 fans were extremely vocal as we entered Coleman Park at around 7:15p.m. Young and old alike took their seats for what was expected to be a very close match. The Limerick fans began singing and chanting to support their team, even before kick-off. It was great to see such enthusiasm and positive support for Limerick. With the several drums, air-horns and inflatable bananas, the Limerick37 were set-up to create a unique atmosphere, in aim to urge the players on. It was not to be as Limerick37 went down to a strong Cobh Ramblers side, losing 2-1 on the night. Davin ‘O Neill opened the scoring for Cobh after 15 minutes but Derek McCarthy scored against the run of play after 40 minutes. Shane Guthrie dealt the Limerick37 “hardcore” a sickening blow, when he scored Cobh’s injury time winner after 93 minutes on the clock. It was a heart clinching moment for the Limerick37 fans were sang and chanted and created such an excellent atmosphere, even when Limerick were losing. Well done to everyone one travelled down to Cobh last Saturday and despite the loss, it was a day to be proud to be from Limerick. As said in last weeks Limerick Post, Limerick37 are becoming the full package, both on and off the pitch. Club officials, players, staff and fans are all working extremely hard to take soccer in Limerick to the next level.
I hope to see all of you reading this down in Jackman Park next Friday at 7:45p.m to see and support Limerick37. Bring all your friends and become part of this journey known as Limerick37.
