Limerick can apply for First Division
The make-up of the SSE Airtricity First Division has been cast into further uncertainty with the news that Limerick FC have received the go-ahead to apply for a licence to compete in the second tier this season — despite their place having already been taken by Shamrock Rovers B.
Limerick chairman Pat O’Sullivan admitted last night that while winning the right to apply for a licence was one thing, meeting the criteria to be able to field a team in the league is another, particularly given the tight timeframe which will see the Independent Club Licensing Committee meet in early Feburary to assess all the applications from Premier and First Division clubs ahead of kick off later in the month.
“That’s our challenge now, that’s what we want to do and we will be making our best efforts to do that,” said O’Sullivan, who added that he has a manager and assistant manager, whom he doesn’t yet with to name, lined up as well as some 20 players he believes the club can access.
In a statement, Limerick FC also announced future investment of €500,000 in the club from international investors over a three-year period with “a large part ring-fenced for underage soccer”.
To that end, Limerick also called for an amalgamation with the group behind Limerick United who recently received an FAI licence to compete in the underage national leagues.
In a statement Limerick said: “Limerick FC is eager to involve the newly formed group using the name Limerick United to join together in the best interests of underage soccer in Limerick.”
The admission of a Shamrock Rovers B team into the First Division has already caused major controversy, with strong opposition from among the other nine clubs and even threats of legal action and boycotts.
