PAT FENLON HAS bolstered his Shamrock Rovers squad with the signing of Tim Clancy, Max Blanchard and Gareth McCaffrey.
Former Millwall defender Clancy returns to Ireland having enjoyed spells with a number of clubs in Scotland, including Motherwell, Kilmarnock, Hibernian and St Johnstone.
The 30-year-old Meath native is joined at Tallaght Stadium by Max Blanchard, who most recently played in League Two with Plymouth Argyle. Born in France, Blanchard lists Laval, L’Entente SSG, Moulins and Tranmere Rovers among his former clubs.
The 28-year-old has opted to make his stay at the club permanent after playing in a number of pre-season friendly fixtures. Dublin-born striker Gareth McCaffrey arrives at Shamrock Rovers having previously played for Hibernian.
Meanwhile, Limerick manager Martin Russell has hailed the character of his side after they defeated Cork City on penalties to book their place in the final of the Munster Senior Cup.
Limerick came from behind twice in a game which finished 3-3 before heading to spot-kicks. Dean Clarke cancelled out Mark O’Sullivan’s opener in the first half, but Liam Miller restored the Leesiders’ lead shortly after half-time.
Robbie Williams’ equaliser forced the game into extra-time, where Shane Duggan fired the Blues into the lead. Karl Sheppard drew matters level with eight minutes remaining and Billy Dennehy had a chance to snatch victory from the penalty spot in the final moments only to be denied by the acrobatics of Conor O’Donnell.
The Shannonsiders went on to win the shootout and former UCD boss Russell said that it was a “deserved” victory.
“The application from the group was first-class,” Russell told the club’s official website.
“To come back twice and ultimately win the game, albeit on penalties, was deserved. They really did put a shift in.”
Limerick will face either Cobh Ramblers or Avondale in the final of the competition.
Originally published at 13.29
