*Patrick O’Connor. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
MULLAGH’s Patrick O’Connor has been appointed as the new manager of the Limerick junior ladies footballers.
O’Connor was joint manager alongside Niall Hickey of the Kilmurry Ibrickane side that won the senior ladies football championship last year for the first time in the club’s history.
He was coach of the Clare minor ladies footballers managed by Cooraclare’s David O’Brien who won the All-Ireland C championship in 2022.
Patrick was part of James Murrihy’s management with the Clondegad intermediate footballers this season who reached the Clare IFC semi-finals, losing out to eventual winners Corofin.
On the professional front, Patrick is the owner of O’Connor Hospitality Group which runs Vaughan’s Pub in Kilfenora, The Edge in Lahinch, The Half Barrell in Whitegate, O’Donohue’s in Fanore and The Good House in Inagh. His uncle Patrick T Sexton owns the historic Gus O’Connor’s Pub on Fisher St in Doolin.
Limerick were managed by Mike Quilligan and Seán Kiely for the past two seasons. During their term, they achieved promotion from Division four into Division three. Limerick did not make the knockout stages of the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship this year but retained their Division 3 status.
Ex Limerick U20 football manager Shane Kelly joins O’Connor’s set up as coach. He was part of the Fr Casey’s set-up in 2024 which they reached the county final, losing out to Adare. The Newcastle West man was a selector for the Limerick senior footballers under Billy Lee and has coached Gerald Griffins, St Senans and Newcastle West.
Next year’s National League will see O’Connor face off with his native Clare. Clare managed by Graham Shine lost five of seven games which saw them relegated in April.
