Donie Garrihy has revealed his desire to get Paddy Purcell back in the Clare jersey for 2017.
Purcell became only the second man to captain Clare to glory in the Oscar Traynor when he raised aloft the trophy in May. Due to family and work commitments, he hasn’t been a part of the squad this season following the birth of his third child.
In 2013, Paddy brought an end to his thirteen year League of Ireland football career. He first joined Limerick FC in September 2001. The defender was at the club for three seasons, winning the League Cup in 2002 as they overcame Derry City on penalties in the final. In 2004, Purcell moved to Waterford United where he spent two seasons, before returning to Limerick in 2006, where he stayed until September 2013. Purcell captained Limerick to the First Division the season previous as they ended a 19-year wait for top-flight football.
Speaking to The Clare Herald, Banner boss Donie said “I’ll be asking him, I will be asking him. I mentioned it to him at the civic reception, he didn’t say no. Paddy is one of the elite players in this county but family, work and everything it has to come first”.
Currently lining out with Newmarket Celtic, Paddy is a key player for the reigning Clare league and cup champions. The thirty seven year old has played a significant role in Celtic’s ever growing status as one of the country’s top clubs.
Clare recently secured top spot in Group E of this season’s Oscar Traynor and have qualified for the last eight of the competition.