1980s: part two

The 1983-84 season started in the High Court with a battle for ownership of the Limerick senior football team. Before Pat Grace took over the Limerick soccer team they were known as Limerick United. He changed the name to Limerick City. A group led by Michael Webb wanted the Limerick team to retain the name Limerick United and to stay in the Markets Field. Soccer was suspended in Limerick for eight weeks whilst a decision was made in the High Court. The decision went in favour of Limerick City and they continued to play in the Markets Field until the end of the season when they moved to Rathbane. Limerick City ended the season winning the Shield, which had been revived that year

In 1985 the League of Ireland divided into two divisions the premier division and the first division. Limerick County would have two senior soccer teams in the league - Limerick City in the premiere division and Newcastle West United in the first division.

Soccer history was made in February 1987 with the first all-Limerick FAI Cup clash. Billy Hamilton, a noted Northern Ireland international player, had become Limerick’s player-manager and played in the Newcastle West match. Over 2,000 supporters attended the game, which was won by Limerick 4-0. Through time, the move to Rathbane proved unpopular. The fans were not prepared to travel and resented the move from the Markets Field, which they called the spiritual home of Limerick soccer. Due to the lack of support, the club’s finances were in a bad state. Limerick City’s only success in 1987 was the avoidance of relegation.

Limerick played Oxford United in a preseason friendly in August 1988, the result being 2-1 in favor of Oxford United. In October 1988 Limerick won their first piece of silverware in Rathbane beating Cork City 1-0 in the Munster Senior Cup Final.

In September 1989 Billy Hamilton resigned as Limerick City’s manager. After his departure the team reverted back to the name, Limerick FC and club colours returned to blue. Pat Grace, the chairman, departed and Father Joe Young became the new chairman.