ANALYSIS: Blues fail to best Barrett’s barmy back-three

Alan O’Brien 

Since he last faced Waterford, Tommy Barrett’s luck had not exactly been in. In the eight games following May’s 6-3 RSC victory, Limerick FC managed only one win. Good performances, achieved in the teeth of cashflow problems and player departures, were met with scant reward. Barrett, in other words, was due a touch of good fortune. And on Friday night he finally got it. Continue reading

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ANALYSIS: Belated Byrne powers ponderous Pat’s to victory

Alan O’Brien 

St Patrick’s Athletic’s win drought is over. Having presided over seven straight defeats, shipping 18 goals along the way, Liam Buckley’s thirst was in danger of becoming terminal. The Saints only bagged three goals of their own throughout that abject run, too. And, on the basis of the first-half here, it’s easy to see why. Continue reading

ANALYSIS: Maguire the diamond in relegation-scrap rough

Alan O’Brien 

The phrase ‘diamond in the rough’ was invented for Barry Maguire’s performance here. The Dutchman’s quality was enough to tip this ugly scrap, between two depleted strugglers, in Limerick FC’s favour. Continue reading

ANALYSIS: Burke brilliance covers a multitude of sins again

Alan O’Brien 

With dreams of Benidorm dancing in players’ heads, this was the ultimate pre-holiday snoozefest. A somnolent Shamrock Rovers looked every inch the side that exacted only one win on the road this year. But, ultimately, Limerick were sleepier, and the Hoops had the quality to take advantage. Continue reading

Stalemate suggests both the Shannonsiders and Sligo need a striker

Alan O’Brien 

Both Sligo Rovers and Limerick FC are scoring at a rate of less than one goal per game. Neither side can count on a natural goalscorer. This relegation six-pointer, therefore, had scoreless draw written all over it. And, in that regard at least, it did not disappoint. Continue reading

Gung-ho Pat’s almost undone by perfect Barrett gameplan

Alan O’Brien 

Liam Buckley’s gung-ho St Patrick’s Athletic had already lost five games on the road before this one. And, if Limerick FC had taken their chances here, it could so easily have been six. Continue reading

Second half substitutions ignite lackadaisical Leesiders

Alan O’Brien 

This was not a vintage Cork City performance by any means. Beset by unforced errors, the off-colour Leesiders required Kieran Sadlier’s decisive impact to preserve their perfect home record. Limerick, error-prone as ever themselves, let the league leaders off the hook. Continue reading