FORMER Limerick FC Jack McCarthy owner is seeking damages in the High Court over the alleged loss of a €280,000 investment in the club.

FORMER Limerick FC Jack McCarthy owner is seeking damages in the High Court over the alleged loss of a €280,000 investment in the club.

The Irish-American lawyer, who took over the then Limerick 37 in 2008, is alleging breach of contract and is suing the Football Association of Ireland; its chief executive officer John Delaney; three other FAI officials including Limerick man Noel Mooney; as well as the current owner of Limerick FC Pat O’Sullivan.

Mr McCarthy’s case in centred around heavy financial losses he allegedly suffered arising from his purchase of Limerick 37 FC Ltd, operators of the club at the time.

All of the defendants deny the claims.

Mr Justice Michael White heard that the FAI is to seek security for costs in the case if Mr McCarthy’s action goes ahead.

Mr McCarthy claims that he lost his entire €280,000 investment - most of which was to write off debts accumulated by the club - in the space of two years. He resigned as a director of Limerick FC in November 2009.

Mr Justice White adjourned the case to February 6 next when the application for security for costs will be made on behalf of the association.

Mr McCarthy was unsuccessful in 2011 in having his case heard in a court in his home state of New Jersey. He had initiated proceedings under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, which is often used to tackle organised crime, but the case was struck out.

The FAI and Mr Delaney launched a stern defence when the civil case was launched in New Jersey saying the association “intends to contest this action with the utmost vigour possible”.

“The Football Association of Ireland and its employees strenuously deny all allegations made by Mr McCarthy as baseless, unsubstantiated and defamatory,” it said in a statement that strongly hinted it could seek redress in the courts in a libel case.