Anger as Limerick FC remove underage teams from LOI Academy
There was shock and anger at the decision by Limerick FC owner Pat O'Sullivan to remove the remaining two League of Ireland teams under the clubs name last weekend.
It is understood that Mr. O'Sullivan, who is now Club President, sent correspondence to the FAI that the club would no longer participate in the national leagues with immediate effect.
The Men's U15 and U17 teams had been gearing up for a tilt at Phase 2 of the League of Ireland Academy. On May 24th, the club gave a walkover to Dundalk in the U15 League of Ireland Academy fixture. This despite victories over Kerry and Waterford earlier in the month.
The same weekend at U17 level, the side were defeated 10-0 by Shamrock Rovers, in Charleville. That looks to be the last of 11 defeats for the team with any U-turn with the FAI to re-introduce the team, so far falling on deaf ears.
The club had advertised Academy Trials for both sides on May 13thand again on June 9th, via their official Facebook page. Playing home games at North Cork base in Charleville, the team has also trained in Seanchoill Sports Complex, Co. Clare.
As reported in the Limerick Leader, upwards of 30 members of the combined squads gathered to hold signs stating 'Let Us Play' earlier this week, showing their unified displeasure at the decision.
There is a swell of movement to try and reverse the decision, which includes parents, coaches and other members of the club. Limerick City North Councillor Frankie Daly, who is the Head Coach of the U15 side, is among the cohort who are attempting to get the team re-instated to allow the youngsters to continue to play on this platform.
The club last fielded a Men's team in the 2019 First Division have lost their female teams as well as the Men's U20 (formerly U19) teams. Their women's team also ceased at the end of that season.
In 2019, the senior side placed sixth in the second tier but were deducted 26 points post season, moving them to tenth, bottom. This was due to an examiner being appointed the club late in that season. It was another challenge for the club who'd gone through a most challenging period financially which included the club launching High Court Proceedings against the FAI.
Limerick FC have yet to reply to requests for comment.
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