New mural unveiled of Limerick sporting legend
Des Kennedy played soccer for Limerick FC for 14 years
A scoring record of 137 goals for the Blues, league and cup winning medals and the accomplishment of scoring European Cup home and away goals against Real Madrid made Des Kennedy Limerick’s best ever centre forward.
A product of local sides Wembley Rovers and Janesboro, Kennedy made his Limerick debut as a teenager in 1972 after spending five months on trial with Southampton at the Dell.
When speaking to Limerick Live back in 2013 Des recalled the two goals against Real Madrid that are now part of Limerick football folklore:
“The goal in Lansdowne Road was a bit lucky. We had a free kick on the left hand side and Jimmy Nodwell played it into the box. Duggie (Gerry Duggan) won a header, the ball fell in front of me, I reacted and it hit my shin and went in.”
In 2022 Des featured in the short film Sit down and Shut up, where he retold the day he became a soccer legend.
Later in his career, he played for Galway United and Newcastle West.
Now, a portrait of the soccer star is on display at The Markets Field Stadium, Garryowen where he played many games.
A picture of the mural was posted on the Garryowen Residents Associations Facebook account, describing the artwork as a “fitting tribute.”
There has been outpouring positivity on Facebook regarding the painting.
One local commented: “Well deserved tribute to one of the best. Great memories of great days in the markets field.”
Another added: “In the game and out of the game Des was a gentleman.”