IT WAS a day to remember for former Irish international Wes Hoolahan, as he helped Cambridge secure automatic promotion from League Two.
The Dublin-born attacking midfielder, who turns 39 later this month, was on target with a free-kick amid a 3-0 victory over already-relegated Grimsby.
The result saw them finish second, two points behind champions Cheltenham, who beat Harrogate Town 4-1, with Irish defender Sean Long completing 90 minutes for the table toppers.
It completes a memorable season for Hoolahan, whose influential performances saw him nominated for the division’s Player of the Year award.
It was a good day too for Irish striker Eoin Doyle, who was on target as Bolton beat Crawley Town 4-1 to seal the third and final automatic promotion spot.
It was the 33-year-old Dubliner’s 19th goal of the season after his pre-season move from Swindon, with only Cambridge’s Paul Mullin scoring more in the division.
Fellow Irish player Zack Elbouzedi – on loan from Lincoln City — was introduced off the bench by manager Ian Evatt, while former Wexford defender Ryan Delaney was an unused sub.
In addition, a brace from Donegal native Stephen McLaughlin and another from ex-Ireland international Stephen Quinn saw Mansfield finish their season on a high with a 3-0 win over Port Vale.
Fellow Irish players Ryan Sweeney, Harry Charsley and James Clarke also featured for the visitors.
Should be a great match to get the league up and running. Two quality sides with a hint of experimentation for both it seems.
@Robb Stark: easy win for limerick dey have the first team out no experimention at all.
@Jim: Barry Hennessy, Tom Condon, Robbie Hanly, Barry Nash, David Reidy and David Dempsey are not regular starters if Limerick have their best team out. So that is not Limerick first team
@Decko49: thats the startin bunch for this year. U might not like it.
@Jim: big knowledge of Limerick hurling there Jim??
@Jim: Where will Sean Finn, Declan Hannon, Gearoid Hegarty Will O Donoghue? Peter Casey all be?
@A Cos: Yeah he knows a lot alright.
@Decko49: on the bench
@Jim: You’d want to stay off the drugs and or drink at this time of the day kid.
@Decko49: sorry i forgot your the expert on here now. Joined a few months ago was it??
@Jim: No you’re the expert on Limerick and you haven’t a clue. So don’t try be smart. Come back the first day of the championship and of I’m wrong I will apologise. If you’re wrong Will you?
@Jim: go way and have a lie down…ur makin an ape outta urself
@john williams: Shur he has the limerick team named for the championship already. Kiely will be livid that Jim has leaked this to the media
@Decko49: we saw the limerick team last night. They only hav the bare 15 and all the talk.
@Jim: Haha. Jesus you’re a gas man. Wait til May for the championship team to be named and will show what you know about hurling. I bet you won’t be in here to say you were wrong.
No bubbles
@Tony Mcgrath: they might be a bit flat with no bubbles.
@Tony Mcgrath: busy with auld wans
@john williams: Yeah I hear he likes the mother’s alright. Great for team building
Will Gerry Kelly of BorrisIleigh get the call up this year?
@Tom Turnip: Interesting comment I figure he would cause quite a few problems for any backline.