We are heading into year 5 of the Treaty United project here in Limerick and in my opinion I think this is the 1 I have least looked forward to out of the lot. Being in and around Limerick City, unless you were a follower of the League Of Ireland you wouldn’t really notice that the new season is just around the corner. So how has it gotten to this?
3 Days To Make A Squad:
Season 1 of the new project as an amateur club was during the Covid 19 pandemic. Tommy Barrett and his management squad only had 3 days to form a squad that would be able to compete in the First Division. Fans across the area were just glad to have a team competing in the League Of Ireland again so weren’t too concerned about results. Being able to look back on that first season now I think it’s fair to say that was the best squad Treaty United have had to date. And looking where some of the players have ended up since then would back that up.
Tadhg Ryan was arguably the best goalkeeper in the First Division in 2021 and his outstanding displays at Treaty United earned him a move to Bohemians. Clyde O’Connell another key part in the squad that reached the play off semi finals in our first season earned a move to the Thai League playing with Svai Rieng. Ed McCarthy switched to Galway United and is a key part in their success getting to the Premier Division and helping them to a successful season last season. Seán McSweeney was a excellent Attacking Midfielder scoring 6 goals and earned a move to Shelbourne.
That Season 1 team although was put together at such short notice was a overall fairly strong team and reaching the playoffs in our very first season was a massive achievement for the club. This team also brought Dundalk FC to extra time in FAI Cup and gave a very good account of themselves that day in the Markets Field.
TakeOver
In October 2023, It was announced that Vancouver-based Tricorps Pacific Capital has completed a takeover in partnership with the former Republic of Ireland international and current Treaty United player at the time Ciara McCormack. This made McCormack the first female CEO in the League Of Ireland across both divisions. Outgoing chairman at the time Conn Murray described the takeover as a “defining moment”
Treaty United players celebrate reaching the FAI Cup 2023 lmage: Evan Treacy/INPHO
At first there was real excitement about this takeover across the fanbase and the start of last season attendances were high with over 2,000 at some games at the start. Things were looking positive both on the field and off the field. Fast forward to the end of the season and attendances were below 1,000 and Treaty United had finished in their lowest position in the First Division since the club was formed.
Sections of the Fanbase have been questioning the McCormack and the Tricorps take over with the lack of investment in the men’s senior team and a rebrand that was due to happen during this offseason being some of the key issues.
2025 Season:
Looking at the Treaty United squad that has been resigned so far, They have kept some crucial players like Lee Devitt, Lee J Lynch, Mark Walsh.
A massive loss for this season and that has not been replaced yet is the retirement of Enda Curran. I would like to wish Enda a very happy retirement and will go down as 1 of the Leagues greats aswell as a Treaty United legend for what he has done for the club.
Some of the incomings so far for Treaty United in the off season have been Ben Lynch from Wexford, Valeriy Doyla from Kerry FC. David Tarmey and Steven Healy look set for another season on loan at Treaty as they played for the club in the pre season friendly against Galway United in Ennis.
Some massive departures in the offseason then would be the loss of Thomas Considine to Bray.
Considine was 1 of our most exciting players to watch last season and is a massive loss for us. Ben O Riordan has departed for travelling reasons and it was also confirmed that Stephen Christopher is leaving another massive loss for the team.
1 of the main concerns straight away looking at the squad at the moment is where the goals are coming from. With a similar enough squad to last season at present bar a few signings I don’t know which attacker is capable of scoring regularly like Enda Curran was able to for us. Losing Willie Armshaw mid season last season aswell who has dropped down to Junior soccer in Limerick with Aisling Annacotty we don’t have the threat that Considine or Armshaw possessed.
Make Or Break:
I do think this is going to be the make or break season for Treaty United. With sections fanbase not impressed with some of the actions taken by the club, unless results start to improve I think the board will come under massive pressure. Attendances weren’t great towards the end of the season and with Limerick known for being a bit of a bandwagon city unless the team is playing well people won’t go. And with how quiet things are around the city regarding the new season I don’t think the interest is there at the moment with supporters. The first series of games could define alot for the future of Treaty United and the rumours of Limerick FC making a sensational return for the new third division, I do see alot of supporters switching to Jackman Park to support Limerick FC on Friday nights.
Prediction:
My prediction for how Treaty United will do this season is entirely based off the signings that have been announced so far and looking at other squads transfer business so far in the off season. I don’t see us being anywhere near the playoffs. I am going to predict a 8th place finish with Kerry FC and Longford Town behind us. I would obviously love to be wrong with this prediction but I don’t see it unless McCormack and Tommy Barrett have some quality signings planned before the season starts.