IT’S 25 YEARS SINCE Sam Allardyce guided Limerick to win the League of Ireland First Division, but there’s never been much in the line of photos or footage available to document the current Crystal Palace manager’s time on Shannonside.
In the past couple of days, however, a video has emerged of Allardyce (via YouTube user KillianM2) in action for Limerick City — as the club was called at the time — during that 1991-92 season.
As well as helping Limerick to win promotion to the Premier Division, the club also reached the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup. With their player/manager in defence, Limerick travelled south to face their Munster neighbours Cork City at Turner’s Cross, which looked much different then than it does now.
But a first-half error from Allardyce proved costly for his team. The former Bolton Wanderers defender, who was 37 at the time, was punished for some sloppy play when he was robbed of the ball in his own box by Cork City’s Gerry McCabe, who crossed for Dave Barry to open the scoring.
Much-maligned Cork City midfielder Cormac Cotter scored into the Shed End in the second half to seal a 2-0 win for the home side, who went on to lose 1-0 to Bohemians in that season’s FAI Cup final at Lansdowne Road.
Shocking defending from Allardyce, but still not quite as embarrassing as his victory dance after he saved Sunderland from relegation last season.
Dave Barry was pure class. Won 2 All Irelands and scored for Cork City in Europe, against the likes of Galatasaray, and during a famous draw with Bayern Munich – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CUVBzMhm_w
Great footage. A hint of offside!! Big Sam had a ‘mare by the looks of things. Turners cross has come on alot – the shed was literally.. a shed
Im fairness to Sam he was down a few players and had to play himself. He was late 30s and the jerseys barely fit him. We played the most attractive football that season with a youth team and some old pros winning the first division easily. I was sad to see him go. But the weekly bucket collection door to door that he himself had to partake in had an effect on him. Fondly remembered.in limerick
Decent crowd
Great to see the way the cross was back in the day. City had a handy team back then.
That would be Cormac Kanchelskis to give him his correct title.