The former Bray boss succeeds Buckley, who recently left the Inchicore side after seven-years in charge.

With Limerick boss Martin Russell freely admitting after the weekend victory over Cabinteely that, at 21 points clear and with just seven games remaining, his team are already “home and hosed” as First Division champions, the runaway leaders will this evening get a taste of what’s in store for them next season when they travel to Richmond Park to play St Patrick’s Athletic in the third round of the FAI Cup.

Liam Buckley has conceded defeat in the battle with Shamrock Rovers to secure the services of Damien Duff.