Limerick FC ‘dumbfounded’ by Jordan Moore’s comments

Limerick FC last night said it was “hurt, angered, and dumbfounded” by comments made by ex-Dundee United striker Jordan Moore after he claimed in a Scottish newspaper he was not paid his wages on time while on loan at the club.

In a story published by the Daily Record, the player made a series of bizarre claims about a recent three-month spell in Limerick.

Earlier yesterday, Moore met with the Players Football Association in Scotland and issued a statement apologised for scathing remarks he made about Limerick city, its citizens, the village of Bruff, and Limerick Football Club.

Moore described Limerick — which is bidding to be crowned European Capital of Culture in 2020 — as a place “full of gypsy horses”.

“They call the area Stab City. On every second lamp post there is a horse tied against it,” he told the paper.

“But if you tried to cut the horses loose then they would kill you — supposedly.”

“The police came and moved all the horses away one day. The next (day), the guys who owned the horses, smashed every shop and put all their cows in the shops and in schools as well.”“The farmers who had cows in their fields put them in the shops, the

Spars and supermarkets, for revenge. The police gave them all the horses back and told them to watch what they were doing.”

Moore described the picturesque village of Bruff, where Limerick FC operate a soccer academy in the grounds of the former FCJ Convent secondary school, as “the weirdest village ever”.

“The locals would jump on the backs of horses and just ride along. There were no cars. Or at least there was more horses than cars,” he added.

Moore then claimed he had trouble securing his wages from Limerick FC: “I wasn’t getting paid on time and I told them it couldn’t continue. They wanted me to stay for the rest of the season but it is all a lot more sane over here,” he said.

Last night, Limerick FC said “we totally and utterly refute” the comments. “We are aware that the community of Bruff has been left understandably distressed by the said article,” it said.

“A representative for Jordan Moore contacted the club earlier this year and informed us of Jordan’s background and his recovery from cancer. As a community-driven club, we offered Jordan a short-term deal to assist in his rehabilitation and provided him with accommodation and remuneration,” the club spokesperson added.

“Jordan spent a week at the club after which he decided to take up our offer. Initially it was agreed that Jordan would stay for four weeks but at his request this was extended.

“Jordan recently returned to Scotland and had thanked the club for their help during his stay here.”

Limerick FC thanked the Bruff community for having “welcomed with open arms” the club’s staff and players.

“We have been treated tremendously by Bruff,” it said.

Despite Moore emailing an apology through to the club yesterday, Limerick FC stated: “We find it very difficult to accept the apology at this time.”

“The club will be making no further comment as we seek further advice,” it added.

The grovelling email sent by Moore said: “To all at Limerick FC, I am writing to apologise unreservedly for any distress I may have been caused by the coverage in today’s newspapers. It was completely unintentional.

“My comments have been taken out of context and sensationalised, particularly about the town of Bruff.

“The people in the town were extremely nice to me during my time there and I am sorry for any offence and distress I have caused.

“I have been a bit naïve and it is a harsh lesson learned for me.

“Again, my apologies.”

Mayor of Limerick Liam Galvin, said he had been “disgusted”by Moore’s remarks.“It’s hard to believe it. I’m very disappointed with it.”Defending the city, he said: “We are very proud of our culture. We are very proud of our sporting achievements here, particular in soccer, rugby and

GAA.”Fine Gael councillor for the

Bruff area, Bill O’Donnell, described Mr Moore’s comments as “childish” and “imbecilic”.“Who is this guy? Is he for real?,”

Cllr O’Donnell asked.“It’s an imbecilic article, an imbecilic interview.”“

Bruff is an amazing place.”