2021 Season Preview: Treaty United

Manager: Tommy Barrett

Stadium: Markets Field

Players in: Tadhg Ryan (Waterford), Charlie Fleming (Cork City), Marc Ludden (Galway United), Anthony O'Donnell (Ringmahon Rangers), Conor Melody (Galway United), Joe Collins (Galway United), Kieran Hanlon (Pike Rovers), Sean McSweeney (Fairview Rangers), Alan Murphy (Regional United), Matt Keane (Killarney Celtic), Aaron Fitzgerald (Janesboro), Sean Guerins (St. Michael's), Edward McCarthy (Pike Rovers) William Armshaw (St. Michael's), Joel Coustrain (Athlone Town), Edmond O'Dwyer (Regional United), Adam Foley (Aisling Annacotty), Kieran Mahony (Newmarket Celtic), Shane Cusack (Avenue United), Shane Lowth (Killarney Celtic), Callum McNamara (Newmarket Celtic), Dean George (Athlone Town), Mark Walsh (Nenagh Celtic), Matt McKevitt (UCC/Peake Villa), Jack Lynch (Galway United).

Players out: N/A

Extratime.ie Key Man: Sean McSweeney

Like several of his teammates, McSweeney has both underage and senior experience at League of Ireland level. Like many more, he has most recently been in the junior game.

Last winter, McSweeney offered the Limerick Gaelic footballers a fresh angle and his natural athleticism and eye for goal will be key for a manager that knows him very well.

Likely to play as the 'number 10', the Foynes native will be key in linking a lone striker with the midfield. His ability with both feet make him suitable for that role and his dribbling qualities should cause opposition defences issues. 

McSweeney impressed at times in 2019, and would welcome another crack at the first division, where he was used sporadically in 2016, pocketing a winners medal in the process. 

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Clyde O'Connell

Could easily fall into the "Key Man" category, but it will be interesting to see how O'Connell fares at League of Ireland level this time around. Previously on the books of Limerick, O'Connell played in 2019, but found himself back in junior football last year. 2020 turned out to be a fruitful season for the versatile 22-year-old, starring for Fairview Rangers on route to the FAI Junior Cup title in September.

He was a goalscoring hero on the biggest day of junior soccer nationally and secured Man of the Match awards for displays in the quarter final, semi-final and final. 

But at League of Ireland level, it has been stop-start. Having played on the final day in 2016 for Limerick, O'Connell hasn't added as many League of Ireland appearances to his name as he would have liked.

Instead, he became a formidable player in 2019/20, as Fairview Rangers were reunited with the holy grail of junior football.

Playing at centre-back then, he offered a goal threat from set pieces and was comfortable from the spot. He was a clear leader.

But a return to the national league will pose a bigger test and opposition strikers will examine his defensive qualities more strenuously. Can O'Connell nail down a starting berth an make a position his own?

He gives Barrett an option at the heart of defence or in midfield and it will be interesting to see can he inspire his Treaty teammates to some success in their maiden campaign. 

How they did last season:

There was no senior men's football on Shannonside in 2020, with the Women's National League team taking to the field for Treaty United. The lack of a team meant that for the first time since 1937, Limerick were not represented in the League of Ireland. Chairman Conn Murray and his board have been busy and Treaty became the 20th club into the League of Ireland for 2021, just over a month ago.

What to expect this season:

It is difficult to predict the fortunes of Treaty for 2021, given their hastily assembled squad and lack of experience beyond a small number of players.

In 2019, Barrett managed to keep Limerick in contention for a play-off spot for much of the season and to do similar with his new charges would be a success.

Early signs are good, albeit from friendlies. He has called upon several players he has worked with before, though he has also recruited from Clare and Tipperary, giving players their first try at the League of Ireland. 

With those new players may come inconsistency, however, if Barrett and his backroom team can give the team a shape and plan for most games, they could easily be a competitive outfit.

The buzz around the latest Shannonside entity in the League of Ireland is real and the team must use this to their advantage.

Fans have reportedly backed the new club membership in large numbers and this should be a boost to the whole squad.

That said, a look across the likely title contenders would suggest that Treaty will be short of the quality required for a lengthy push in the top few placings season.

Instead, they'll be aiming for mid-table with slow and steady progress essential as both a team and a club. 

Title Odds: 33/1

First game: Bray Wanderers (A)