Treaty Looking To Build On Positive Start As First Home Game Approaches For Barrett’s Side

Treaty United will be hoping to build on a positive start to life in the SSE Airtricity League First Division when they host Wexford Youths at the Markets Field in Limerick this Friday evening.

Former Bridge United player and current Treaty manager Tommy Barrett oversaw his new sides opening game with Bray Wanderers on the opening weekend where the Midwest side left the Carlisle Grounds with a hard fought 0-0 draw.

They were forced to contend with playing the last 20 minutes with 10 men after the dismissal of midfielder Sean McSweeney, but a resolute and organised display saw them earn a share of the spoils against a home side who are among the contenders for promotion to the top tier.

Sixmilebridge resident Barrett outlined that it was a positive start to their campaign and one he hopes they can build on.

“It was a good away draw when you look at the likes of the players Bray have and the quality lads that they signed. It was massive for us to get a point up there given that we are amateur and the short time frame in which we were put together. We had some good players missing too so it was fantastic to get a result like that” he noted.

With players from across the province featuring in this Treaty United squad, including five from Clare, Barrett outlined that the support they have had since the project was announced has been heartening to see.

“That positive energy is very important and we can certainly feel that. There is a huge amount of support and while we are not able to see that in the flesh just yet, we certainly take note of it in the media outlets and social media in particular. We are looking forward to our first home game this weekend and Wexford will be huge challenge for us. Every game is going to be a challenge for us but we are focused now on welcoming Wexford to Limerick and seeing can we get the three points” he said.

With the milestone of that first game now behind them, Barrett is confident that they can build on the experience ahead of their debut home fixture this weekend.

“It was massive to get out on the field and get that game under the belt. A lot of the lads would not have played at this level or haven’t played for a while so it was good to get back up and running and get used to that intensity. In the first few weeks, everyone is finding their feet no matter how put together they are. You will find there might be a few odd results in the first few weeks and then you will see the table level out again after maybe ten or so games so that will give us a good idea of where we are at then” he noted.

It was also a big weekend for Shannon native Jack Lynch who was handed the captain’s armband for the season ahead. Barrett outlined that the decision to have a local player as the leader was a conscious decision for the club and praised Lynch for the qualities he has shown since signing for the team.

“First and foremost, we needed a local lad this year for sure because it was our first year in the league. It was important to have someone who can identify with the local area and Jack is living in Shannon all his life. He has strong links to Limerick too so he fitted the bill in both aspects there. He is a young guy with strong leadership qualities and has good experience in the league. He leads by example, looks after himself well, has a great attitude and can play in a number of positions. All those things came into consideration when choosing him as the captain” he stated.