Gleeson’s

An unusual name for a soccer team which played in the Western League and tournaments in the Slieve Felim region in the mid-seventies. The team was formed by employees of J Gleeson & Co., 79 O’Connell Street, Limerick, which operated as an electrical and mechanical company at that time.

The Club donned the colours of Wolverhampton Wanderers, orange in colour with black collar and cuffs. Most of the Gleeson team came from a GAA background. Players at that time included Sean Ryan, Timmy Sheedy and Mike Collins (RIP) from Killoscully / Newport area. Kilteely was represented by Tim O’Dea, Joe Lyons and Tim McCarthy and Eamonn Daly was from Limerick City. A geographical spread of players also included PJ Leahy, Donal Leahy and Tom Lane from Boher. The player manager was Doon’s Patsy Ryan (Rue) with the Slattery brothers John and Mike also in the set up.

The ethos of the Club was more focussed on enjoyment and friendship as opposed to achieving success. Nevertheless, victory in a Rearcross 7 a-side tournament was a really great occasion for all involved.

Written by Donal Leahy (July 2016)