1970s: part three

The 1977-78 season was not successful. With John Herrick as team manager, Limerick finished seventh in the League of Ireland.

In the 1978-79 season Limerick’s team manager Roger Connolly introduced junior international player Tony Morris. The former Pike Rovers player proved his worth with some excellent scoring when he made his debut for Limerick on 8 October at St Mels Park against Athlone. Limerick won 1-0 and finished sixth on the table.

The 1979-80 season began with the arrival of manager Eoin Hand from Portsmouth. Limerick started the league with a 2-0 win over University College Dublin marking the beginning of one of the best and most exciting campaigns. They went from success to success and had their supporters fully behind them. The team traveled to Richmond Park to play St Patrick’s Athletic on 10 November where they were beaten 2-0 but this did not stop the enthusiasm of the supporters who paid over £6000 in admission charges to see them play. On Sunday, 20 April 1980 Limerick traveled to Athlone Town bringing with them one of the largest following of fans, many hoping to be part of Limerick’s biggest soccer occasion in over twenty years. They were not disappointed. Tony Meaney’s penalty shot into the goal gave Limerick the point they needed and the League of Ireland Championship. Athlone had never seen anything like the invasion of Limerick supporters in their quiet midlands town that afternoon and not a single incident was reported. ‘Well done Limerick United and your supporters too’ said the evening papers. Limerick came very close to winning the FAI Cup that year but were knocked out in the semi-finals after a replay against Waterford who had ex-Limerick players, Richie Hall and Al Finucane in their squad.

In the 1976-77 season Frankie Johnson was team manager. Limerick were beaten 2-0 against Dundalk in the FAI Cup Final and finishing twelfth in the League of Ireland.