By Emma Dineen
As the League of Ireland First Division heads well beyond the midway point, Treaty United find themselves at a crucial juncture. With a mix of promise, challenges, and intriguing storylines unfolding, the 2025 campaign has been anything but dull for the Markets Field faithful.
From a solid defense to a squad that’s arguably too big, and a star midfielder carrying much of the goal-scoring burden, the first half of the season has given me plenty to think about. Here are 10 things I’ve personally observed about Treaty United so far, and what I believe they mean for their ambitions moving forward…
Robbie Lynch (KBD Photos)
With club captain Mark Walsh side-lined for several weeks through injury, all eyes were on USA international Martin to see if he could step up and he delivered brilliantly, right up until his own recent injury setback. Newly 19-year-old Robbie Lynch has been a standout throughout the campaign; it’s becoming hard to imagine a Treaty defence without him. On the right, Evan O’Connor, formerly of Galway United, has been consistently dominant helped by his height, while on the left, Ben Lynch (ex-Wexford FC) has made the spot his own ahead of both Richkov Boevi and Fionn Doherty. Even when rotation has been necessary, the defensive rhythm has remained steady, with players slotting in smoothly.
Ben Lynch (KBD Photos)
There’s been a bonus at the other end too, all four regular starters have chipped in with a goal each. Boevi and Walsh have also found the net once apiece.
Fringe defenders like Chris Horgan and Darren Nwankwo have seen limited minutes, a sign of the coaching staff’s confidence in their go-to quartet. And the stats justify that faith: Treaty have conceded just 23 goals in 23 games (league only!), exactly one per match, and kept seven clean sheets.
In a league where margins are razor-thin and goal difference often separates playoff hopefuls, as it currently does between Treaty and UCD, who are level on points, that defensive solidity has been quietly essential. It might not make the headlines, but it’s keeping Treaty’s season on track.
In recent weeks, Brian Cunningham has joined, taking over David Tarmey’s #19 shirt, and Patrick Ferry made his debut in the FAI Cup, hopefully a solid replacement for Yoyo Mahdy considering he’s taken his number. Despite four outgoings, the squad remains around 28 players strong, a sizable number for a League of Ireland First Division side with just 13 league games to go.
Internally, one would imagine some discontent is bubbling. With only 11 starters and 9 places on the bench, several players miss out on matchday squads entirely, and have done so consistently.
The large numbers also raise questions about pathways for younger players. Last season, Scott Murphy and Sean Costelloe made brief appearances and looked promising, but this year they remain in the U20s, stuck behind a traffic jam of senior players. Even fellow young talents like Ben Lee and Roy Lawlor, both in the first-team squad, have struggled to earn minutes.
The squad size seems to reflect scars from previous injury-ridden seasons. But 2025 has been relatively kind on the fitness front, and the selection headache has become more about keeping players engaged than covering gaps.
Lee Devitt (KBD Photos)
Treaty have scored 36 goals in 23 league games, an average of 1.56 per match. Devitt has contributed nearly 40% of those goals. That’s a staggering stat for any midfielder, let alone one in a team chasing playoff spots. But it also shows how heavily Treaty’s attack leans on him.
Here’s the full breakdown of Treaty’s league goals so far:
Lee Devitt – 14
Yoyo Mahdy – 4 (departed)
Mark Byrne – 3
Richkov Boevi – 1
Nikodem Kozlowski – 1
Ben Lynch – 1
Robbie Lynch – 1
Eoin Martin – 1
Evan O’Connor – 1
Karl O’Sullivan – 1
Mark Walsh – 1
Connor Wilson – 1
That’s 14 different scorers, which suggests a certain level of variety. But beyond Devitt, the numbers fall off sharply. The next highest scorer was Mahdy with four goals, and he’s departed in recent weeks. Behind him, it’s a drop-off to players with three or fewer.
Mark Byrne, now back from injury, has shown flashes of sharpness and grabbed a goal recently. He’ll need to build on that and help carry some of the burden. Karl O’Sullivan has played a creative role and contributed plenty with assists and link-up play, but has only found the net once.
Mark Byrne (KBD Photos)
What’s perhaps most interesting is the contribution from the back. Six goals have come from defenders, an encouraging stat when it comes to set-piece threat, but not something you want to rely on week after week.
Recent arrivals may offer a solution. Brian Cunningham got off to a bright start, registering an assist in his first appearance, while Patrick Ferry is expected to join the frontline soon. Whether they can hit the ground running remains to be seen.
If Devitt were to miss time or move on, as has been rumoured, it would leave a major void. While it seems likely he’ll remain until the end of the season, it’s a reminder that Treaty cannot afford to be a one-man team. For a real playoff push, others will need to step up and share the goal-scoring load.
But away from home, the story is quite different. Treaty have won just two of their eleven away fixtures, with four draws and five defeats. They’ve scored 13 and conceded 13, balanced, yes, but often in matches that haven’t tipped in their favour. The contrast is stark: while they’ve earned 23 points at home, they’ve picked up just 10 on the road.
The season started with a gut punch, a dramatic 3–2 home loss to Cobh Ramblers on opening night. Treaty were 2–0 up by the 80th minute before conceding three in the final ten. It felt like a warning shot. They responded well with a thumping 5–0 win away to Athlone in the next game, but the early reminder of conceding late (a story that would repeat throughout the season) and inconsistency set the tone.
It also brought back echoes of 2024. That year, Treaty stormed out of the blocks with three wins and two draws to sit top of the table, only to collapse with eight straight defeats and four draws, going nearly two months without a win.
As we enter the final stretch, the home/away split could define the season. If Treaty want to move from playoff hopefuls to genuine promotion contenders, they’ll need to start bringing that Markets Field confidence with them on the road.
The two sides have met three times this season, and all three have ended in draws. It began with a dramatic 2–2 result at Oriel Park in March, when Treaty staged an astonishing comeback. Down 2–0, Eóin Martin and Lee Devitt struck in the 87th and 91st minutes to snatch a point. Next came a tightly contested 1–1 draw at the Markets Field in April, with Yoyo Mahdy equalising in the 78th minute. Most recently, in June, another 1–1 draw played out in Louth, Dundalk thought they’d finally cracked the code with an 86th-minute goal, only for Mark Walsh to level it in the 92nd.
It mirrors what happened last season against Cork City. Treaty faced them four times in 2024 and remained unbeaten, something no other club managed. That run included a scoreless draw and three consecutive 1–1 results. Cork may have gone on to secure the title, but they never managed to figure Treaty out. And the way things are shaping up, there’s a strong chance these two sides could be squaring off again next season. Unless Treaty’s playoff push gathers momentum, and with Cork all but confirmed to be dropping back to the First Division, a reunion looks likely.
Now, with just one meeting left against Dundalk this season, all eyes will be on whether Treaty can complete another unbeaten series against the league leaders. History says it’s very possible. There’s something about Treaty, whatever it is, that consistently throws the favourites off balance.
Whatever you want to call it, but one thing is clear: if you’re top of the table, Treaty United are the last team you want to face these past few seasons.
Lee Devitt has (rightly) grabbed the spotlight with his goal tally, but behind him lies a more layered story. Steven Healy, on loan from Galway United, has added much-needed bite, the kind of physical edge that’s been missing in past seasons. Colin Conroy, too, has been quietly consistent.
Steven Healy (KBD Photos)
Then there’s the curious case of Nikodem Kozlowski. One of the most technically gifted players at the club, his game time has been surprisingly limited. And fans have noticed, one message in my inbox put it bluntly: “We haven’t played Niko enough.” I agree. Having followed him since his underage days, it’s obvious how special he is on the ball. A Cobh player told me recently that Niko is a “nightmare to mark”, not just because of his ability, but because he actually enjoys embarrassing defenders. That joy, that swagger, it’s something this team could use more of. He already has a goal to his name, but with more minutes, you get the sense there’s much more to come.
Niko Kozlowski (KBD Photos)
Canadian midfielder Connor Wilson is another whose stock has risen steadily, rewarded recently with more starts, and he’s repaying that faith. His first goal for the club in the recent 2–1 win over Cobh Ramblers was not just timely but a real highlight-reel finish. Signed at the start of the window as one of the few international additions, Wilson is proving he's no passenger.
Youngster Ben Lee showed flashes of promise earlier this year, most notably with an assist for Vrljičak in the 3–0 win over Kerry. Though he’s mostly featured with the U20s, performances like that suggest he’s knocking on the first-team door. More recently, Mark Murphy has begun to feature, clocking up 132 minutes since mid-June. His emergence coincides with Karl O’Sullivan’s injury absence. O’Sullivan, one of Treaty’s marquee signings, has been quietly excellent. His calm presence off the pitch is matched by his creative impact on it. His assists, positioning, and work rate are vital, especially when games get tight.
Karl O’Sullivan (KBD Photos)
But through it all, one name keeps standing out, Lynch. Now, we’ve got three of them roaming the pitch: Robbie, Ben, and Lee J. It’s like a Lynch family reunion out there (none of them are related as far as I know just to clarify!) But of course, in this case, Lee J Lynch, remains a star in the middle.
Lee J Lynch (KBD Photos)
For Limerick football fans and League of Ireland fans alike, he needs no introduction. From Janesboro to Sligo to Hamilton to Limerick FC to Larne, his career is one of the most decorated to pass through the Markets Field. Since rejoining Treaty midway through 2024, his influence has been immediate, on and off the pitch. He’s not just experienced, he’s a leader. He understands tempo, dictates play, and elevates those around him.
This season, his minutes have been limited due to injury, and when he’s missing, it shows. The May loss to Cobh was telling: once Lynch came off, the midfield visibly lost direction and energy. Without him, Treaty often look a little rudderless.
If Treaty want to kick on in this final third of the campaign, getting Lee J Lynch back fully fit and involved could be the key. He might not score hat-tricks or dive into goalmouth scrambles, but he’s the glue. The rhythm-setter. The adult in the room. And without him, things start to come unstuck.
A textbook case came in July, when Treaty beat Cobh Ramblers 2–1 at home, avenging a painful 2–1 defeat away to the same side in late May. That night at St Colman’s Park, Treaty looked flat and off-tempo. But by the return leg at the Markets Field, they had clearly adjusted, and flipped the script.
The same pattern played out with Bray Wanderers. In April, Treaty fell 2–1 on the road in Wicklow. But when Bray came to Limerick, Treaty returned the favour with a 2–1 win of their own. It may seem like a small detail, but that ability to regroup and respond is a marker of a maturing side.
Not every result has flipped entirely. UCD, for example, remains a stubborn opponent. A 0–0 draw in Dublin back in March was followed by a 1–1 in July at the same ground. Despite a convincing 4–0 home win in between, maybe the UCD Bowl just isn’t Treaty’s favourite venue! They are certainly a team that Treaty United need to keep an eye on as they are level on points, the goal difference the only thing keeping Treaty in 4th.
A supporter suggested to me that Treaty struggle more against teams below them. That’s a fair observation. Wexford remain unbeaten against Treaty this season. Longford handed them a 2–0 loss at Bishopsgate, and while the second goal came late into stoppage time, the overall result felt like a clear defeat. Even Kerry managed to trip Treaty up with a 1–0 win in May, a result that stung considering the respective league positions.
That said, Treaty have been dominant when things click. Athlone were swept aside twice, a 5–0 away win and another convincing result at home. Finn Harps have also lost twice to Treaty this year. So the potential to take care of business against struggling sides is clearly there.
Another positive? Treaty are rarely outclassed. As one fan put it online: “We’ve only lost twice by two goals all season.” That holds true, the Longford game and one loss to Wexford are the only instances where the scoreline got away from them. And even against Longford, the second goal came at the death.
A quick breakdown reveals just how youthful the setup really is:
Despite the youth, Treaty United feels anything but lost. The leadership core is well-established, with captain Mark Walsh acting as the steady heartbeat of the squad. Now 32, Walsh has been with the club since day one and embodies its spirit, calm, respected, and dependable.
When Walsh’s injuries have kept him sidelined this season, the captain’s armband has passed naturally to Lee J. Lynch. At 33, Lynch is a seasoned pro whose experience, from Sligo Rovers to Limerick FC, and even European nights with Larne, brings invaluable calm and professionalism. He’s the perfect foil for the youthful exuberance around him.
Mark Walsh (KBD Photos)
Then there’s Lee Devitt, 25, steadily emerging as the next leader in line. Having captained the side on several occasions, he carries himself with maturity and consistency, marking him as a potential long-term figure for Treaty. But if Devitt moves on, or if Lee J or Walsh decide to hang up their boots, it might take a deeper dig around the squad to find the next natural leader.
Statistically, Treaty’s youthful core signals a bright future, if managed right. With nearly 20 players under the age of 23, the potential for long-term cohesion and growth is massive, especially if key names stay beyond a single season.
The numbers tell a mixed story. Treaty sit fourth, inside the playoff spots for now, but with teams closing in fast behind them. With just 13 league games left, every point counts.
On paper, the squad looks built for it. A positive goal difference, a solid defensive record (just one goal conceded per game on average), and 36 goals scored show a side that’s balanced, if not always consistent. Home form has been a key strength too, with the Markets Field providing seven of their league wins.
The big issue? Away days. Just two wins from ten on the road isn’t good enough, and that record will have to improve if they’re to stay in the top five. That said, there’s real encouragement in how Treaty have fared against the league’s best. They’ve taken points from all the sides above them, they just need to start doing the same against those below.
Another bright spot has been the way they’ve flipped earlier losses into wins. But as the fixture list piles up, squad depth could be both a blessing and a burden. With nearly 30 players to manage, Tommy Barrett has rotation options, but also a challenge keeping morale, sharpness, and momentum in balance. Fresh legs could help carry them across the line.
But if we’re being totally honest, last week’s FAI Cup defeat to Derry City was a bit of an eye-opener, even though it doesn’t really matter in the long run. A 1–5 loss at home to a side just a point off second in the Premier Division, including three set-piece goals in quick succession, laid bare the gulf between the top flight and where Treaty are now. For 60 minutes, Treaty held firm but that was about it. Treaty looked gassed 20 minutes in. Derry controlled the ball, the pace, the game, and Treaty were chasing shadows.
So would Treaty survive in the Premier Division right now? Probably not. Would they be hit with more results like that? Very possibly. If promotion does happen, which still feels like a big ‘if’ — then Barrett would need serious backing. A bigger budget. More experience. Quality signings. Otherwise, the step up could turn into a horror show.
Tommy Barrett (KBD Photos)
Is there any sign that kind of support is coming? Hard to say. There are even quiet questions about Barrett’s future. He’s the longest-serving manager in the First Division of the current batch, and while he's steered Treaty through some massive moments, one wonders whether the club might look for a fresh voice depending on how the season ends.
Treaty remain hard to define. They’ve taken points off title challengers and stumbled against sides at the bottom. They’ve shown flashes of real potential, and frustrating inconsistency. But in this unpredictable league, they’re still in the mix.
The path to the playoffs won’t be easy, but it’s there. And if the key players stay fit, the away form improves, and lessons keep being learned, then fans in Limerick have every right to hope their season stretches into late October.
As the League of Ireland First Division heads well beyond the midway point, Treaty United find themselves at a crucial juncture. With a mix of promise, challenges, and intriguing storylines unfolding, the 2025 campaign has been anything but dull for the Markets Field faithful.
From a solid defense to a squad that’s arguably too big, and a star midfielder carrying much of the goal-scoring burden, the first half of the season has given me plenty to think about. Here are 10 things I’ve personally observed about Treaty United so far, and what I believe they mean for their ambitions moving forward…
(All Photos From KBD Photos)
1. A Rock-Solid Defensive Spine Keeps Treaty Ticking
While much of the chatter around Treaty United in 2025 has focused on their attacking output, it’s the backline that’s provided the real foundation for consistency. A settled core four of Ben Lynch, Eóin Martin, Robbie Lynch, and Evan O’Connor has emerged as the preferred starting four, with Corey Chambers the ever-present figure between the posts.
Robbie Lynch (KBD Photos)
With club captain Mark Walsh side-lined for several weeks through injury, all eyes were on USA international Martin to see if he could step up and he delivered brilliantly, right up until his own recent injury setback. Newly 19-year-old Robbie Lynch has been a standout throughout the campaign; it’s becoming hard to imagine a Treaty defence without him. On the right, Evan O’Connor, formerly of Galway United, has been consistently dominant helped by his height, while on the left, Ben Lynch (ex-Wexford FC) has made the spot his own ahead of both Richkov Boevi and Fionn Doherty. Even when rotation has been necessary, the defensive rhythm has remained steady, with players slotting in smoothly.
Ben Lynch (KBD Photos)
There’s been a bonus at the other end too, all four regular starters have chipped in with a goal each. Boevi and Walsh have also found the net once apiece.
Fringe defenders like Chris Horgan and Darren Nwankwo have seen limited minutes, a sign of the coaching staff’s confidence in their go-to quartet. And the stats justify that faith: Treaty have conceded just 23 goals in 23 games (league only!), exactly one per match, and kept seven clean sheets.
In a league where margins are razor-thin and goal difference often separates playoff hopefuls, as it currently does between Treaty and UCD, who are level on points, that defensive solidity has been quietly essential. It might not make the headlines, but it’s keeping Treaty’s season on track.
2. Too Many Cooks? A Bloated Squad Raises Eyebrows
Treaty United began the 2025 season with ambition and a huge 30-man squad. On paper, the logic was solid: build competition for places, ensure depth in case of injuries, and allow tactical flexibility. But as the season has unfolded, a question is becoming harder to ignore, is the squad simply too big?In recent weeks, Brian Cunningham has joined, taking over David Tarmey’s #19 shirt, and Patrick Ferry made his debut in the FAI Cup, hopefully a solid replacement for Yoyo Mahdy considering he’s taken his number. Despite four outgoings, the squad remains around 28 players strong, a sizable number for a League of Ireland First Division side with just 13 league games to go.
Internally, one would imagine some discontent is bubbling. With only 11 starters and 9 places on the bench, several players miss out on matchday squads entirely, and have done so consistently.
The large numbers also raise questions about pathways for younger players. Last season, Scott Murphy and Sean Costelloe made brief appearances and looked promising, but this year they remain in the U20s, stuck behind a traffic jam of senior players. Even fellow young talents like Ben Lee and Roy Lawlor, both in the first-team squad, have struggled to earn minutes.
The squad size seems to reflect scars from previous injury-ridden seasons. But 2025 has been relatively kind on the fitness front, and the selection headache has become more about keeping players engaged than covering gaps.
3. Devitt’s Golden Boots – But Who Else Is Scoring?
As we enter the business end of the 2025 season, Lee Devitt isn’t just in form, he’s firmly in the race for the Golden Boot. With 14 goals to his name (+ 1 in the FAI Cup), the dynamic midfielder is just one behind the joint league leaders, Mikie Rowe of Wexford FC and Barry Coffey of Cobh Ramblers, both on 15. Devitt’s scoring heroics have been a huge boost for Treaty United, but his dominance also poses a pressing question: what happens if he gets injured or leaves?
Lee Devitt (KBD Photos)
Treaty have scored 36 goals in 23 league games, an average of 1.56 per match. Devitt has contributed nearly 40% of those goals. That’s a staggering stat for any midfielder, let alone one in a team chasing playoff spots. But it also shows how heavily Treaty’s attack leans on him.
Here’s the full breakdown of Treaty’s league goals so far:
Lee Devitt – 14
Yoyo Mahdy – 4 (departed)
Mark Byrne – 3
Trpimir Vrljičak – 3
David Tarmey – 2 (departed)Richkov Boevi – 1
Nikodem Kozlowski – 1
Ben Lynch – 1
Robbie Lynch – 1
Eoin Martin – 1
Evan O’Connor – 1
Karl O’Sullivan – 1
Mark Walsh – 1
Connor Wilson – 1
That’s 14 different scorers, which suggests a certain level of variety. But beyond Devitt, the numbers fall off sharply. The next highest scorer was Mahdy with four goals, and he’s departed in recent weeks. Behind him, it’s a drop-off to players with three or fewer.
Mark Byrne, now back from injury, has shown flashes of sharpness and grabbed a goal recently. He’ll need to build on that and help carry some of the burden. Karl O’Sullivan has played a creative role and contributed plenty with assists and link-up play, but has only found the net once.
Mark Byrne (KBD Photos)
What’s perhaps most interesting is the contribution from the back. Six goals have come from defenders, an encouraging stat when it comes to set-piece threat, but not something you want to rely on week after week.
Recent arrivals may offer a solution. Brian Cunningham got off to a bright start, registering an assist in his first appearance, while Patrick Ferry is expected to join the frontline soon. Whether they can hit the ground running remains to be seen.
If Devitt were to miss time or move on, as has been rumoured, it would leave a major void. While it seems likely he’ll remain until the end of the season, it’s a reminder that Treaty cannot afford to be a one-man team. For a real playoff push, others will need to step up and share the goal-scoring load.
4. Fortress Markets Field – But Road Form Still Holds Treaty Back
If Treaty United are to keep their playoff hopes alive in the second half of the season, they’ll likely have to lean on one thing above all: their home form at the Markets Field. The Limerick ground has become something of a fortress in 2025, with Treaty winning seven of their twelve home games, drawing two and losing just three. They’ve netted 23 goals at home while conceding just 10. That’s nearly two points per game, and it’s no coincidence that their biggest wins, like the 4–0 rout of UCD and the 5–1 hammering of Longford, happened on home turf.But away from home, the story is quite different. Treaty have won just two of their eleven away fixtures, with four draws and five defeats. They’ve scored 13 and conceded 13, balanced, yes, but often in matches that haven’t tipped in their favour. The contrast is stark: while they’ve earned 23 points at home, they’ve picked up just 10 on the road.
The season started with a gut punch, a dramatic 3–2 home loss to Cobh Ramblers on opening night. Treaty were 2–0 up by the 80th minute before conceding three in the final ten. It felt like a warning shot. They responded well with a thumping 5–0 win away to Athlone in the next game, but the early reminder of conceding late (a story that would repeat throughout the season) and inconsistency set the tone.
It also brought back echoes of 2024. That year, Treaty stormed out of the blocks with three wins and two draws to sit top of the table, only to collapse with eight straight defeats and four draws, going nearly two months without a win.
As we enter the final stretch, the home/away split could define the season. If Treaty want to move from playoff hopefuls to genuine promotion contenders, they’ll need to start bringing that Markets Field confidence with them on the road.
5. The Bogeymen of the First Division: League Leaders Can’t Crack Treaty
For the second season running, Treaty United have carved out an unlikely, but increasingly consistent, reputation: the team that top sides can’t seem to beat. In 2024, it was Cork City who struggled. In 2025, that honour has passed to current league leaders Dundalk.The two sides have met three times this season, and all three have ended in draws. It began with a dramatic 2–2 result at Oriel Park in March, when Treaty staged an astonishing comeback. Down 2–0, Eóin Martin and Lee Devitt struck in the 87th and 91st minutes to snatch a point. Next came a tightly contested 1–1 draw at the Markets Field in April, with Yoyo Mahdy equalising in the 78th minute. Most recently, in June, another 1–1 draw played out in Louth, Dundalk thought they’d finally cracked the code with an 86th-minute goal, only for Mark Walsh to level it in the 92nd.
It mirrors what happened last season against Cork City. Treaty faced them four times in 2024 and remained unbeaten, something no other club managed. That run included a scoreless draw and three consecutive 1–1 results. Cork may have gone on to secure the title, but they never managed to figure Treaty out. And the way things are shaping up, there’s a strong chance these two sides could be squaring off again next season. Unless Treaty’s playoff push gathers momentum, and with Cork all but confirmed to be dropping back to the First Division, a reunion looks likely.
Now, with just one meeting left against Dundalk this season, all eyes will be on whether Treaty can complete another unbeaten series against the league leaders. History says it’s very possible. There’s something about Treaty, whatever it is, that consistently throws the favourites off balance.
Whatever you want to call it, but one thing is clear: if you’re top of the table, Treaty United are the last team you want to face these past few seasons.
6. In the Middle of It All — But Is Lynch the Missing Link?
Midfielders rarely hog the headlines. Forwards bask in glory with goals, defenders get credit for crunching tackles, and goalkeepers steal the spotlight with dramatic saves. But somewhere in the middle are the players who quietly make everything tick. For Treaty United, the engine room has carried more than its fair share this season.Lee Devitt has (rightly) grabbed the spotlight with his goal tally, but behind him lies a more layered story. Steven Healy, on loan from Galway United, has added much-needed bite, the kind of physical edge that’s been missing in past seasons. Colin Conroy, too, has been quietly consistent.
Steven Healy (KBD Photos)
Then there’s the curious case of Nikodem Kozlowski. One of the most technically gifted players at the club, his game time has been surprisingly limited. And fans have noticed, one message in my inbox put it bluntly: “We haven’t played Niko enough.” I agree. Having followed him since his underage days, it’s obvious how special he is on the ball. A Cobh player told me recently that Niko is a “nightmare to mark”, not just because of his ability, but because he actually enjoys embarrassing defenders. That joy, that swagger, it’s something this team could use more of. He already has a goal to his name, but with more minutes, you get the sense there’s much more to come.
Niko Kozlowski (KBD Photos)
Canadian midfielder Connor Wilson is another whose stock has risen steadily, rewarded recently with more starts, and he’s repaying that faith. His first goal for the club in the recent 2–1 win over Cobh Ramblers was not just timely but a real highlight-reel finish. Signed at the start of the window as one of the few international additions, Wilson is proving he's no passenger.
Youngster Ben Lee showed flashes of promise earlier this year, most notably with an assist for Vrljičak in the 3–0 win over Kerry. Though he’s mostly featured with the U20s, performances like that suggest he’s knocking on the first-team door. More recently, Mark Murphy has begun to feature, clocking up 132 minutes since mid-June. His emergence coincides with Karl O’Sullivan’s injury absence. O’Sullivan, one of Treaty’s marquee signings, has been quietly excellent. His calm presence off the pitch is matched by his creative impact on it. His assists, positioning, and work rate are vital, especially when games get tight.
Karl O’Sullivan (KBD Photos)
But through it all, one name keeps standing out, Lynch. Now, we’ve got three of them roaming the pitch: Robbie, Ben, and Lee J. It’s like a Lynch family reunion out there (none of them are related as far as I know just to clarify!) But of course, in this case, Lee J Lynch, remains a star in the middle.
Lee J Lynch (KBD Photos)
For Limerick football fans and League of Ireland fans alike, he needs no introduction. From Janesboro to Sligo to Hamilton to Limerick FC to Larne, his career is one of the most decorated to pass through the Markets Field. Since rejoining Treaty midway through 2024, his influence has been immediate, on and off the pitch. He’s not just experienced, he’s a leader. He understands tempo, dictates play, and elevates those around him.
This season, his minutes have been limited due to injury, and when he’s missing, it shows. The May loss to Cobh was telling: once Lynch came off, the midfield visibly lost direction and energy. Without him, Treaty often look a little rudderless.
If Treaty want to kick on in this final third of the campaign, getting Lee J Lynch back fully fit and involved could be the key. He might not score hat-tricks or dive into goalmouth scrambles, but he’s the glue. The rhythm-setter. The adult in the room. And without him, things start to come unstuck.
7. A Team That Learns — Flip Results Tell a Story of Growth
One of the more subtle but encouraging trends from Treaty United’s 2025 campaign is their growing ability to flip results the second time around. In a league where you face the same teams multiple times, learning from earlier defeats, and turning them into points, is often what separates playoff contenders from mid-table passengers.A textbook case came in July, when Treaty beat Cobh Ramblers 2–1 at home, avenging a painful 2–1 defeat away to the same side in late May. That night at St Colman’s Park, Treaty looked flat and off-tempo. But by the return leg at the Markets Field, they had clearly adjusted, and flipped the script.
The same pattern played out with Bray Wanderers. In April, Treaty fell 2–1 on the road in Wicklow. But when Bray came to Limerick, Treaty returned the favour with a 2–1 win of their own. It may seem like a small detail, but that ability to regroup and respond is a marker of a maturing side.
Not every result has flipped entirely. UCD, for example, remains a stubborn opponent. A 0–0 draw in Dublin back in March was followed by a 1–1 in July at the same ground. Despite a convincing 4–0 home win in between, maybe the UCD Bowl just isn’t Treaty’s favourite venue! They are certainly a team that Treaty United need to keep an eye on as they are level on points, the goal difference the only thing keeping Treaty in 4th.
A supporter suggested to me that Treaty struggle more against teams below them. That’s a fair observation. Wexford remain unbeaten against Treaty this season. Longford handed them a 2–0 loss at Bishopsgate, and while the second goal came late into stoppage time, the overall result felt like a clear defeat. Even Kerry managed to trip Treaty up with a 1–0 win in May, a result that stung considering the respective league positions.
That said, Treaty have been dominant when things click. Athlone were swept aside twice, a 5–0 away win and another convincing result at home. Finn Harps have also lost twice to Treaty this year. So the potential to take care of business against struggling sides is clearly there.
Another positive? Treaty are rarely outclassed. As one fan put it online: “We’ve only lost twice by two goals all season.” That holds true, the Longford game and one loss to Wexford are the only instances where the scoreline got away from them. And even against Longford, the second goal came at the death.
8. Lack of Fight for the #1 Jersey?
When it comes to Treaty United’s squad depth, the focus often falls on the crowded outfield roster, the 30-man squad, rotation dilemmas, and fringe players vying for minutes. But one area that’s flown under the radar this season is the goalkeeper position, specifically the lack of real competition for the number one spot.
Corey Chambers has been the undisputed starter since late 2023, and to his credit, he’s been solid enough.Every keeper has ups and downs, that’s just the nature of the role, (we won’t touch too much on the FAI Cup game against Derry, conceding 3 set pieces on the bounce is an article for another time…) but unlike the outfield, where multiple players battle for starting roles, the goalkeeper spot has felt more like a closed shop.
Corey Chambers (KBD Photos)
That wasn’t necessarily the plan at the start of 2025. Carl Williams arrived as a clear backup, and when given the chance, he impressed, making three appearances including a clean sheet in a 4–0 win against former club UCD, and a 5–1 thrashing of Longford the following week. But Williams’ stint was brief. Like many backup keepers stuck on the sidelines, he chose to leave in the recent transfer window. Now, the gloves pass to promising youngster Conor Wall as second choice. Wall, a product of Limerick’s youth system through Treaty United and the old Limerick FC, hasn’t yet made his senior debut. Even a cameo appearance would keep the goalkeeping position sharp and remind Chambers he has to stay on his toes.
And then there’s Michael Dike. Had he stayed, the 18-year-old’s memorable 2024 performances, including a stellar night in Kerry and heroic shootout saves in the FAI Cup, might have pushed Chambers harder than anyone else. But it’s hard to blame him for moving on to Brighton & Hove Albion’s U21s, a fantastic step for the young keeper.
Carl Williams (KBD Photos)
The bottom line? Treaty would benefit from more competition in goal. Whether that means trusting Wall with minutes or bringing in a new signing, it’s a dynamic worth addressing. At every level, goalkeepers need someone breathing down their neck to stay sharp. For now, Chambers remains the undisputed number one, and while that’s not a problem, it’s something to watch closely as the season progresses.
Corey Chambers has been the undisputed starter since late 2023, and to his credit, he’s been solid enough.Every keeper has ups and downs, that’s just the nature of the role, (we won’t touch too much on the FAI Cup game against Derry, conceding 3 set pieces on the bounce is an article for another time…) but unlike the outfield, where multiple players battle for starting roles, the goalkeeper spot has felt more like a closed shop.
Corey Chambers (KBD Photos)
That wasn’t necessarily the plan at the start of 2025. Carl Williams arrived as a clear backup, and when given the chance, he impressed, making three appearances including a clean sheet in a 4–0 win against former club UCD, and a 5–1 thrashing of Longford the following week. But Williams’ stint was brief. Like many backup keepers stuck on the sidelines, he chose to leave in the recent transfer window. Now, the gloves pass to promising youngster Conor Wall as second choice. Wall, a product of Limerick’s youth system through Treaty United and the old Limerick FC, hasn’t yet made his senior debut. Even a cameo appearance would keep the goalkeeping position sharp and remind Chambers he has to stay on his toes.
And then there’s Michael Dike. Had he stayed, the 18-year-old’s memorable 2024 performances, including a stellar night in Kerry and heroic shootout saves in the FAI Cup, might have pushed Chambers harder than anyone else. But it’s hard to blame him for moving on to Brighton & Hove Albion’s U21s, a fantastic step for the young keeper.
Carl Williams (KBD Photos)
The bottom line? Treaty would benefit from more competition in goal. Whether that means trusting Wall with minutes or bringing in a new signing, it’s a dynamic worth addressing. At every level, goalkeepers need someone breathing down their neck to stay sharp. For now, Chambers remains the undisputed number one, and while that’s not a problem, it’s something to watch closely as the season progresses.
9. Youthful Drive, Veteran Steer: The Captaincy & Age Profile
Treaty United’s 2025 squad is an intriguing mix of youthful energy and seasoned leadership. With an age averaging around 22.7, it’s one of the youngest lineups in the League of Ireland First Division, but don’t mistake youth for lack of structure or personality.A quick breakdown reveals just how youthful the setup really is:
- Ages 18–20: Ben Lee (18), Roy Lawlor (18), Conor Wall (18), Brian Cunningham (19), Robbie Lynch (19), Mark Murphy (19), Fionn Doherty (20), Darren Nwankwo (20), Steven Healy (20), Nikodem Kozlowski (20)
- Ages 21–25: Joe Hanson (21), Dean Owens (21), Richkov Boevi (21), Patrick Ferry (22), Colin Conroy (22), Ben Lynch (23), Eóin Martin (23), Evan O’Connor (24), Mark Byrne (24), Chris Horgan (25), Karl O’Sullivan (25), Lee Devitt (25), Trpimir Vrljičak (25)
- Ages 26–29: Connor Wilson (26), Valerii Dolia (26), Corey Chambers (27)
- 30+: Mark Walsh (32), Lee J. Lynch (33)
Despite the youth, Treaty United feels anything but lost. The leadership core is well-established, with captain Mark Walsh acting as the steady heartbeat of the squad. Now 32, Walsh has been with the club since day one and embodies its spirit, calm, respected, and dependable.
When Walsh’s injuries have kept him sidelined this season, the captain’s armband has passed naturally to Lee J. Lynch. At 33, Lynch is a seasoned pro whose experience, from Sligo Rovers to Limerick FC, and even European nights with Larne, brings invaluable calm and professionalism. He’s the perfect foil for the youthful exuberance around him.
Mark Walsh (KBD Photos)
Then there’s Lee Devitt, 25, steadily emerging as the next leader in line. Having captained the side on several occasions, he carries himself with maturity and consistency, marking him as a potential long-term figure for Treaty. But if Devitt moves on, or if Lee J or Walsh decide to hang up their boots, it might take a deeper dig around the squad to find the next natural leader.
Statistically, Treaty’s youthful core signals a bright future, if managed right. With nearly 20 players under the age of 23, the potential for long-term cohesion and growth is massive, especially if key names stay beyond a single season.
10. Playoff Ambitions: Within Reach, But Far From Simple
As we enter the final stretch of the 2025 League of Ireland First Division season, Treaty United remain firmly in the playoff conversation, but it’s a race with little room for error.The numbers tell a mixed story. Treaty sit fourth, inside the playoff spots for now, but with teams closing in fast behind them. With just 13 league games left, every point counts.
On paper, the squad looks built for it. A positive goal difference, a solid defensive record (just one goal conceded per game on average), and 36 goals scored show a side that’s balanced, if not always consistent. Home form has been a key strength too, with the Markets Field providing seven of their league wins.
The big issue? Away days. Just two wins from ten on the road isn’t good enough, and that record will have to improve if they’re to stay in the top five. That said, there’s real encouragement in how Treaty have fared against the league’s best. They’ve taken points from all the sides above them, they just need to start doing the same against those below.
Another bright spot has been the way they’ve flipped earlier losses into wins. But as the fixture list piles up, squad depth could be both a blessing and a burden. With nearly 30 players to manage, Tommy Barrett has rotation options, but also a challenge keeping morale, sharpness, and momentum in balance. Fresh legs could help carry them across the line.
But if we’re being totally honest, last week’s FAI Cup defeat to Derry City was a bit of an eye-opener, even though it doesn’t really matter in the long run. A 1–5 loss at home to a side just a point off second in the Premier Division, including three set-piece goals in quick succession, laid bare the gulf between the top flight and where Treaty are now. For 60 minutes, Treaty held firm but that was about it. Treaty looked gassed 20 minutes in. Derry controlled the ball, the pace, the game, and Treaty were chasing shadows.
So would Treaty survive in the Premier Division right now? Probably not. Would they be hit with more results like that? Very possibly. If promotion does happen, which still feels like a big ‘if’ — then Barrett would need serious backing. A bigger budget. More experience. Quality signings. Otherwise, the step up could turn into a horror show.
Tommy Barrett (KBD Photos)
Is there any sign that kind of support is coming? Hard to say. There are even quiet questions about Barrett’s future. He’s the longest-serving manager in the First Division of the current batch, and while he's steered Treaty through some massive moments, one wonders whether the club might look for a fresh voice depending on how the season ends.
Treaty remain hard to define. They’ve taken points off title challengers and stumbled against sides at the bottom. They’ve shown flashes of real potential, and frustrating inconsistency. But in this unpredictable league, they’re still in the mix.
The path to the playoffs won’t be easy, but it’s there. And if the key players stay fit, the away form improves, and lessons keep being learned, then fans in Limerick have every right to hope their season stretches into late October.
Nice read The squad is too big and most of them aren't good enough to be keeping the young lads out
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