AUTHOR: Kieran Burke – @Kieran_B_Sport.
Treaty United were THE story of the 2021 League of Ireland season as Tommy Barrett guided the Limerick side to the play-offs in what was their first ever season at LOI level. This time last year, Treaty were not certain to even receive a license to compete in the league which left Barrett with just days to put together a squad.
With a full pre-season now under their belts and some decent additions made, there’s everything chance the Munster men came mix it with the big boys again this term. Denzil Fernandes arrives with a point to prove after a lack of opportunities at Shelbourne but appeals as the kind of player Barrett can bring the best out of with his strong man management skills while Jack Brady is a fabulous replacement for goalkeeper, Tadhg Ryan who has left for Bohemians.
Man mountain at the back, Anto O’Donnell required surgery in the off-season and will miss the start of the campaign which is a huge blow to Treaty’s chances of improving on last season’s achievements. However, with a full season at this level now under everyone’s belts, plus the return of fans to the Market Fields, if Treaty can get into the play-offs again this season they have as good a chance as any of going all the way.
BTS PREDICTION: Play-offs
STAR PERFORMER: Jack Brady (An ideal replacement for Ryan, he’ll win them points this season)
ONE TO WATCH: Denzil Fernandes (If he can rediscover his Cobh form he’ll be a star for Treaty)
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For previews & predictions on EVERY GAME across BOTH DIVISIONS this weekend in the League of Ireland, be sure to tune in to S6EP1 of Between the Stripes LOI podcast with special guests: Kevin Doherty, Dan O’Reilly, and Cristian Magerusan. Available here or wherever you get your podcasts from.
