Limerick FC kept their Premier Division dream alive after scrambling off the bottom of the Airtricity League table for the first time in 203 days and relegating 2007 League Champions Drogheda United in the process.
On the final day of the League, the Super Blues produced a 3-2 victory over Sligo Rovers in the Showgrounds – their first win at the venue since 1991.
Early goals from Shane Duggan and Paul O’Conor gave Limerick a two-goal lead, with Freddy Hall saving a penalty in between, although Sander Puri did pull one back for Rovers before the break.
However top-goalscorer Vinny Faherty got the vital goal that prevented Ruairi Keating’s stoppage-time headed goal for Sligo taking any importance.
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[/raw]This is what it means to @LimerickFCie players & supporters! @SSEAirtricityLg pic.twitter.com/NxeBpnutvq
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) October 30, 2015
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[/raw]YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! WE'RE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #LIMERICKFC ARE OFF THE BOTTOM AND INTO THE PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!!!! NO WORDS FOR THIS!!
— Limerick FC (@LimerickFCie) October 30, 2015
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[/raw]Resurgence of @LimerickFCie is one of the Irish sports stories of the year. Another great night, biggest comeback of all time is still on :)
— Alan English (@AlanEnglish9) October 30, 2015
Limerick’s victory meant Drogheda had to match their result, but failed to do so despite twice taking the lead. However a Danny North hat-trick sealed their fate, with the 5-3 defeat sending them down to the First Division.
Limerick will now play Finn Harps in a two-legged promotion/relegation play-off after the Harps defeated UCD 2-1 tonight and 3-1 on aggregate.
There were some celebrations in Louth as Dundalk lifted the Premier Division trophy they sealed three weeks previously. Dundalk signed off with a 4-0 win over Bray Wanderers.
Their Cup final opponents Cork City beat Bohemians 1-0 to seal second place, with Billy Dennehy on target from the penalty spot.
In the other games, Longford Town beat Derry City 4-2 to seal a top-half finish and St Patrick’s Athletic beat Galway United 1-0.
