Limerick soccer to return home

LIMERICK soccer is set to return to its old home at the Markets Field following a substantial charitable donation.

Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership Ltd has reached agreement with Bord na gCon to purchase the venue for a sum in excess of €1.5 million after the partnership received a large contribution from the JP McManus Charitable Foundation.

Gerry Boland, director of Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership, said: “The generosity of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation made this dream come true and I am particularly pleased to see Limerick FC, now represented by Munster Football Club Limited, returning to its roots at the historic Markets Field.”

Mr Boland said it had the potential to become another excellent sports stadium for the citizens of Limerick.

Adrian Neilan, chief executive of Bord na gCon, said: “I would like to applaud this initiative. It will ensure the Markets Field remains a fundamental cornerstone for the people of Limerick. We would hope that all stakeholders support this initiative in every way possible.”

He said by facilitating the sale, the wider greyhound community in Limerick had delivered on two significant levels to Limerick.

“Firstly, we now have a world-class greyhound stadium which all the people of the mid-west can enjoy and use for their benefit,” he said. “Secondly, by facilitating this sale of The Markets Field it will ensure the property can continue to serve as another great social amenity. We would now hope the people of the mid-west now support both facilities in every way possible.”