Limerick FC 1-0 Shamrock Rovers

**deise deserter** · 11/03/2005, 8:55 PM

What a great way to start our return to Rathbane!!!

Derek should hopefully start from here on in - showed great hunger and grit out there.

Team performance was hopeful. Lets hope we can build on this.

**Westside** · 11/03/2005, 11:39 PM

Yeh I agree, was at the game and I was very impressed with the whole package.The facilities are good the pitch looked in good nick and the amount of stewards around the outside of the ground was commendable.The safety aspect in and around the ground is all important if we want to get the crowds up this season and it was very evident the direction the club in taking on this matter. The game itself was scrappy at times but Limerick deserved the win, Rvers never really threatened our keeper (whoever he was not Mooney or Healy), thought Tommy Barrett and Robbie Kelliher had fine games and the back four were solid enough too.Some delegates from Ramblers were at the game too last night, which shows they are giving us plenty of respect this year.My only critisism I had on the night is that there was a fee for children to watch the game.I have no problem with say 16yr olds paying to go but 10/11yr olds........ I think this will be a trend in the wrong direction.Get the kids interested and crowds (Adults) will turn up too.I understand that the club are now going places and the cost of running a club is huge, but I hope they don't use this policy for the coming season, if so reduce it to at least half of what it was last night, otherwise you'll find there will be no future in the club if kids stop going, they are the up and coming generation of Limerick Fc supporters, don't penalise them for cheering on their team.Other than that congrats to the club and supporters for the efforts last night.Well done.......

**Kerry Blue** · 12/03/2005, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Westside

My only critisism I had on the night is that there was a fee for children to watch the game.

Have to agree with you on that. I was delighted to see so many kids at the game. It was great and they seemed to have an interest in what was going on. You're alsolutely right in saying that they need to be encouraged to come as they are the future. Regardless of the extra costs on the club they still shouldn't have to charge for any u12 (say?) to see a game.
Other than that I was very impressed with the set-up at Rathbane. The pitch doesn't look too bad. A little thin maybe in places, but when the growth starts it should improve. There was also some very good performances on the field and I definitely think that McCarthy has to start up front with Kelliher. They were both excellent last night. It was great to beat the hoops!

I think the goalkeeper's name is Kevin O'Sullivan. Don't know who he is, but he looks handy enough. Made a few good saves. All in all things look promising for the new season. The team is more solid at the back and Barrett and Hughes won a lot of ball in the middle of the field which is something we weren't doing last year.
We're going up!

Hoops are going down!

**deise deserter** · 13/03/2005, 2:16 PM

No child under the age of 12 should be charged, but I will add, only when they are accompanied by an adult. That would keep stalward supporters who bring their kids happy, the average punter who wants to turn up every now and then happy, and keep the problems out.

I don't agree fully about the comments about the back four though. Although it was generally quite tight, there were quite a few occasions where Wolfe left his player loose causing Mick Aherne to have to tuck in to cover. Compounding this, Brian Donnellan isn't quite up to form yet and this caused our left side to be weak at times. That said it is a pre-season game and those small kinks should be worked out before too long.

It looks like we have a good squad, and unlike last year we have quality substitutes available. The only changes I would make to the team at the moment is to replace O'Brien with McCarthy in the starting 11 - the hunger, workrate, and goal from last Friday were a great sign of things to come from him.

**Kerry Blue** · 13/03/2005, 3:42 PM

Originally Posted by deise deserter

Brian Donnellan isn't quite up to form yet and this caused our left side to be weak at times.

I would agree there. Not sure who would be better in that position. Frank Browne perhaps?

Originally Posted by deise deserter

The only changes I would make to the team at the moment is to replace O'Brien with McCarthy in the starting 11 - the hunger, workrate, and goal from last Friday were a great sign of things to come from him.

I think we can take that as a given. McCarthy has to start. I can see him forming a good partnership with Kelliher. Both are quick and skillful and difficult to mark.

**4tothefloor** · 13/03/2005, 6:18 PM

Originally Posted by Kerry Blue

Have to agree with you on that. I was delighted to see so many kids at the game. It was great and they seemed to have an interest in what was going on. You're alsolutely right in saying that they need to be encouraged to come as they are the future. Regardless of the extra costs on the club they still shouldn't have to charge for any u12 (say?) to see a game.

I don't fully agree with that. While the idea of leaving all kids U12 in for free is a nice one, in reality it could lead to a lot of problems - namely scumbags and pests who have no interest in the game and have nothing else to do on a Friday night. Fans of other EL clubs will tell you all about the problems that they have. I agree with Diese in that they should be let in for free if accompanied by a paying adult. Otherwise they should have to pay - if they are interested they will pay. In any case, what kind of parents would leave their U12 kids out and about on their own around Rathbane at night? I'm all for kids being at the games, but for the football, not for messing, pick-pocketing or slagging.

**LFC Blue** · 14/03/2005, 8:34 AM

Not a bad crowd up there either on Friday night. Place looks very tidy and welcoming. Whats the story with the seating behind the goals. Will seats be installed

**clownboy** · 14/03/2005, 9:02 AM

Lads..the Goalkeeper Kevin O'Sullivan Plays in the South Tipp League.He used to play with St Michaels and was capped with the Irish Junior Team in the past ..I think he joined his local club ibn the last year or two since he left Michaels..I think that he played LOI with Kilkenny a few years back also ..Not sure if he has signed with Limerick or not But he definately be a good kepper to have around

**WillyWonka** · 14/03/2005, 10:08 AM

No he hasnt signed, he is still wit st. micheals, he is just filling in cause healy and mooney are both injured!!

**deise deserter** · 14/03/2005, 11:57 AM

I'm sure the new owners will pick up on this thread in regards to youth attendances. If not we'll bring it up at the next meeting the SC has with them.

**NY Hoop** · 14/03/2005, 12:30 PM

Lads wasnt there so roughly how many were in attendance. Also has the ground changed since last time we were there in 94? i.e. are there seats etc?

KOH

**joeSoap** · 14/03/2005, 3:11 PM

Originally Posted by deise deserter

No child under the age of 12 should be charged, but I will add, only when they are accompanied by an adult. That would keep stalward supporters who bring their kids happy, the average punter who wants to turn up every now and then happy, and keep the problems out.

Good points.

Originally Posted by deise deserter

I don't agree fully about the comments about the back four though. Although it was generally quite tight, there were quite a few occasions where Wolfe left his player loose causing Mick Aherne to have to tuck in to cover. Compounding this, Brian Donnellan isn't quite up to form yet and this caused our left side to be weak at times. That said it is a pre-season game and those small kinks should be worked out before too long.

. Surely fault here would lie with Finny, as he is the left sided centre half. If it was happening on Woulfes side then O'Mahoney would do the covering.

Originally Posted by deise deserter

It looks like we have a good squad, and unlike last year we have quality substitutes available. The only changes I would make to the team at the moment is to replace O'Brien with McCarthy in the starting 11 - the hunger, workrate, and goal from last Friday were a great sign of things to come from him.

At least now there is competition for places up front, with McCarthy, Kelliher, O'Brien, and if needed, Nolan and Barrett all vying for two places.

**Kerry Blue** · 14/03/2005, 6:15 PM

As regards the U12s being allowed into games for free, I probably didn't make it clear in my post that I do think they should be accompanied by an adult. I was mainly replying to Westside's post. Allowing in any U12 who just turn up on their own is definitely a no-no. A recipe for trouble.

**Westside** · 15/03/2005, 12:21 AM

I agree with the idea "as long as they are accompanied by an adult". I went to all the home games last year bar one and I do understand what Deise is on about.There were many instances where young kids were only coming into the ground to cause trouble and pick on the ones who came into watch the games.There is no place for this kind of individual in Hogan Park.Maybe a good idea is to start a Junior Limerick Fc supporters club where the club issue out a photographed id card stamped by LFC and signed by J.Soap for say 10eur(to cover costs) This then would entitle the child (under 12-14) free admission with his or her parent for the season.It probably sounds too complicated but I'm sure something could be worked out.I usually bring 4 to 5 kids to the game every second weekend (and gael as I've said before only 2 are mine) and it may sound like I'm being a bit selfish but hey all I can do is ask. What do you think JOE SOAP..........