Shannonsiders Treaty United are next up in our season preview series, looking to build on a successful second season and an incredible cup run last year. Our preview series continues daily as we build up to the new season.
Location: Markets Field, Limerick
Manager: Tommy Barrett (3rd season in charge)
Last Season Finish: 5th ( W11, D11, L10). Lost FAI Cup semi-final to eventual winners, Derry City (2-1)
A third season for the men’s team in Limerick’s latest League of Ireland club, and perhaps a time with Tommy Barrett’s men at a crossroads. Is it time to kick-on and get promoted, or will incremental improvement be enough for those on Shannonside?
Treaty have, perhaps, overachieved in reaching play-offs in both 2021 and 2022. Add in an FAI Cup semi-final appearance last season and Tommy Barrett can be proud of his squad’s effort.
Ins and Outs
Ryan Connolly comes in from Finn Harps, while Andrew Spain arrives from Athlone Town. Should Denzil Fernandes feature, he will be a ‘new signing’ having ye to line out 12 months after arriving, due to injury. Conor Winn has competition for the number one spot with the arrival of Shane Hallahan who previously played with Cobh.
Conor Barry netted a handful of goals for Wexford and the Galway native is potentially a key signature. Returning to LOI football is Anto O’Donnell, a leading light in 2021 before stepping aside in 2022 for a combination of reasons.
Losing versatile captain Jack Lynch is a blow, while squad player Joe Collins also departs. The pair are on their travels to Australia. Jack Brady was the main goalkeeper in 2022 but he departs to Longford Town.
Matt Keane’s versatility in the last two seasons but his departure to native Kerry FC was inevitable once their now near neighbours were granted their place at the League table.
The most positive news in the close season, perhaps, was holding onto ace striker, Enda Curran. He netted 20 goals last season and will be key to Treaty, should he stay fit.
Club Aspirations
On the field, Treaty are surely proud of their efforts. They’ve assembled a competitive team who’ve shown their worth time and time again. It is perhaps off the field where the club will target most growth.
The crowds at Markets Field at times have left the age old question, does Limerick want Senior Soccer? That said, it appears that a team built on hard work and honesty has struck a chord with those regularly putting their hands in their pockets to enter Garryowen. Can they get the wider public on board with those still reeling with the legacy left by Limerick FC?
Perhaps on the pitch an even greater assault at the top places would be welcomed, with the classic chicken and egg scenario at play. Big crowds and great interest will come, but they want to see winning football. This is true of many teams and sports, not just Treaty United.
Tommy Barrett will look to grow the team with younger, local talent. Treaty often took to the field in 2022 with no players from Limerick – that said, the manager in the past, has cited a lack of willingness from players to vacate the luxuries of Junior football in the City, to try their hand at national level.
As a team, Treaty will hope they’ve learned to manage the Friday-Monday turnover, something which rarely bore fruit last term.
Key Men
Enda Curran’s goals will once again be key, but can he be joined in sharing that responsibility by exciting attacker Success Edogun? If so, Treaty may prove a real force. At the back, Anto O’Donnell can lead a defence that held the poorest record of those inside the coveted top five spots last season.
Key Fixtures
Treaty start at home to Bray, another side eyeing the play-offs. Their first trip to Kerry FC could help forge a wonderful Munster rivalry. Kerry’s visit to Limerick on 28th April and the trip to Bray just three days later will test Tommy Barrett’s squad’s depth.
Season Prediction: Another season of positives is likely ahead. Holding onto much of the experience in the squad as well as some exciting additions mean that the play-offs are once again a extremely realistic ambition for United. Anything less may be seen as regression.
Tom Clancy
Tom is a multimedia reporter and broadcaster based in Limerick. His main focus is Soccer, Gaelic Games and Rugby. He first starting writing reports aged 14. He is no relation to Tom Clancy, American novelist.