Treaty United FC
Wikipedia - Treaty United F.C.
Treaty United Football Club is an Irish association football club based in Limerick. The club was founded in 2020 following the demise of Limerick F.C. and began playing in the League of Ireland Women's Premier Division in 2020 followed by the addition of a senior men's team to the First Division in 2021. They play their home matches at Markets Field, the same ground as their predecessors.
History
Name
The name of the club stems from Limerick's nickname as "The Treaty County", itself a reference to the Treaty of Limerick of 1691, the document which brought an end to the Williamite War in Ireland.
Formation of the club
Following the liquidation of Limerick F.C. in 2019, the idea of a new team in Limerick arose. At first, it was to be called Limerick United but was forced to be changed due to threat of legal action from Limerick FC, because they had previously had that name. The name Treaty United was chosen as Limerick is known as the Treaty County, after the 1691 Treaty of Limerick. Treaty United was confirmed as the name, and the women's team Treaty United W.F.C. was ready to enter the 2020 Women's National League season and the men's the 2020 League of Ireland First Division, but the men's team withdrew their licensing application for the 2020 season. The club went through the licensing procedures the following year however and on 20 February 2021 it was announced by the Football Association of Ireland that the club had been granted a licence and would take part in the 2021 League of Ireland First Division, taking the place of Shamrock Rovers II from the previous season. Thus, the club is a continuation of senior football in Limerick, a story which began in 1937. In 2024, The club announced that it would switch primary kit colours from red and white stripes, which was an ode to the colours of the first senior football team in the county to blue and white, a colour that has been associated with football in the county since August 1943. The very presence of Treaty in the Markets Field is significant, as this is widely viewed as the historical, spiritual home of Limerick football.
First season
The club announced their 26-man first team squad and backroom staff for their first season in football under manager Tommy Barrett on 27 February 2021. They also announced that the number 4 shirt would be retired as a mark of respect to former Limerick United captain Joe O'Mahony. The club's first senior men's fixture was a 1–1 draw with Waterford in a pre-season friendly on 2 March 2021, with Limerick local Joel Coustrain getting the honour of scoring the senior men's team's first goal. The senior men's first ever competitive fixture was on the 28 March 2021 as Treaty, captained by Jack Lynch, traveled to the Carlisle Grounds and drew 0–0 with Bray Wanderers to earn their first ever League of Ireland First Division point despite finishing the match with 10 men. The club finished in fourth place in their first season in the League of Ireland First Division.
Treaty United FC's colors are green and white, reflecting the team's Irish heritage. The team plays their home matches at the Markets Field, a historic stadium in Limerick that has been the site of many memorable soccer matches over the years.
Treaty United FC has quickly established itself as a competitive force in Irish football, with a talented roster of players and a dedicated fan base. The team's style of play is characterized by fast-paced, attacking football, and they have earned a reputation for their never-say-die attitude on the pitch.
Off the field, Treaty United FC is committed to engaging with the local community and promoting the growth of soccer in Limerick and beyond. The team regularly hosts youth clinics and community events, and works closely with local schools and organizations to inspire the next generation of soccer players.
Overall, Treaty United FC is a proud and passionate team that embodies the spirit of Irish soccer. With a rich history and a bright future ahead, the team is poised to continue making a mark on the Irish football landscape for years to come.