Munster Derby

Limerick FC-Cork City

Locale	Munster
Teams	Limerick FC Cork City
First meeting	Sunday October 21, 1984 Cork City 0-0 Limerick FC, Turners Cross
Stadiums	Markets Field Turners Cross

Limerick FC–Cork City is an Irish football rivalry involving two of the larger football clubs in Munster. Although Limerick and Cork are different cities 100 kilometers apart, hence it is not a 'local derby', there is a provincial rivalry between the two cities and clubs. Both cities have strong independent sporting histories, and both football clubs have strong local support. Cork City have had higher ticket sales at their stadium Turners Cross, but ever since Limerick FC have moved back to their 'spiritual' home at Markets Field for the first time in 31 years in June 2015, they too have been getting high relative attendances.

History

The crest of Limerick FC

The first ever Munster Derby was played in Turners Cross for a Premier Division league match on Sunday October 21, 1984. The game ended 0-0. Limerick then won the second derby on Sunday February 3, 1985, 3-1 at Markets Field. Overall for a period of 10 years from the early 1980s to early 1990s, Limerick won more of the derby clashes. But when Limerick were relegated in 1994, they didn't meet Cork in a league match until 2010, a First Division clash on Friday April 2 2010 at Jackman Park in Limerick. Although Cork City were playing in the Premier Division, they ran into serious financial trouble, and were demoted to the First Division, to meet with their historic foes Limerick. After 2010, the Munster Derbies were generally 50/50. The clubs didn't meet in the league in 2012 either, as Cork had won promotion again, but Limerick soon followed, as they won the 2012 First Division and achieved Premier Division football for the first time in 19 years. Cork since have had the advantage in derby results although Limerick have won a notable share of derby fixtures too. For example, relegation fighting Limerick (who had not one a game in 21 league games in a row) beat Sligo Rovers for their first win of the season. They then traveled to Cork who were fighting against Dundalk FC for the league title. Limerick left with all 3 points in a shock 3-2 victory which shifted the title race in Dundalk's favour away from their rivals and the relegation battle into Limerick's favour.

Culture

The crest of Cork City FC

On the pitch, the derby is notorious for rarely having a shortage of goals. The game is notably more physical than the average league or cup match. Red cards have appeared regularly in the fixture and even a few off the ball fights, on the odd occasion. Based on statistics the Munster Derby is one of the fixtures that issues the most cards in Ireland.

Notable games

Limerick's first game back in the League of Ireland Premier Division in 19 years. Plans were now in place to renovate the historical Markets Field and so while this was taking place, Limerick would place their first two seasons in the Premier Division at Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby. Cork City were starting just their second season in the Premier Division since winning the First Division in 2011.

The game was played live on national television. Barry Ryan, the Limerick goalkeeper and Mark McNulty, Cork's 'keeper, denied goals from both sides early on. Playing for Cork that day was a young Shane Duggan from Limerick. The following year he would leave Cork City for Limerick. Limerick manager Stuart Taylor picked Duggan as captain straight away on his arrival in 2014.

Cork City v Limerick FC

13 March 2015 Premier Division

Cork City	5-0	Limerick FC
D. Dennehy  5,84' B. Dennehy  17 (pen),51' G. Holohan  45+2'		S.Duggan  32'

19:45 - Turners Cross, Cork Attendance: 4,817 Referee: T. Connolly

At the start of the 2015 season, in Week 2, Cork City won the Munster Derby by the largest margin, beating a young and inexperienced Limerick side 5-0 at Turners Cross. Cork were at the end of a season in which they took Dundalk FC to the last game of the season showdown title decider at Oriel Park.

Their first game at Turners Cross in 2015 was a Munster Derby crunch match against Limerick. It was highly anticipated, with a large crowd coming in at the 'Cross'. The Dennehy brothers from Tralee both scored twice on the night, with Gavan Holohan scoring the goal of the match in first half stoppage time.

Cork City v Limerick FC

14 August 2015 Premier Division

Cork City	2-3	Limerick FC
R. Gaynor  21' J. O'Flynn  59'		V. Faherty  7' D. Clarke  36' P. O'Connor  65'

19:45 - Turners Cross, Cork Attendance: 3,018 Referee: D. McKeon

Limerick caused arguably the upset of the season as they went on their 3rd win on the spot (their 3rd win all season) after beating Sligo Rovers 3-2 and Bohemians 4-3 at Markets Field. For Cork this was a massive blow to their title hopes as Dundalk won on the same night bringing them a further 3 points clear of Cork at the top of the table. The game started well for Limerick as a series of passes after 7 minutes found Faherty who finished to make it 1-0 Limerick. Cork equalized through full-back Ross Gaynor on 21 minutes, a goal expected by the City fans. Then Limerick took the lead into half-time as Dubliner Dean Clarke scored in front of the famous 'Shed End' (where the singing Cork fans sit) on 36 minutes.

At the start of the second half, City looked stronger. This time John O'Flynn got the second equalizer for Cork to make it 2-2 on 59 minutes. But only 6 minutes later and Limerick had a corner in front of their away fans. A looping header by the young U19 Limerick defender Paudie O'Connor made it 3-2 on 65 minutes. Limerick held out and won, which was a massive boost to their survival hopes. Meanwhile, for Cork, they new it was a massive blow to their first place aspirations.

In the end, Cork fell a good bit short of Dundalk, finishing second. Therefore, they secured Europa League qualification rounds for the next season. Meanwhile, for Limerick, they miraculously left the bottom spot for the first time in the season on the last day of the season after a long string of wins. They finished 11th, and played in a relegation playoff against Finn Harps losing 2-1 on aggregate and were relegated on the last hurdle.

Results

League results since 2010

Cup Competition since 2008

Statistics

Since 2008 season

Honours

Major Honours

External links

• Limerick FC's official website
• Cork City's official website