By Emma Dineen
There’s something different about cup nights in Limerick. The floodlights, the sense of occasion, the chance to defy expectations. This Friday, the Markets Field will once again play host to that magic, as Treaty United welcome Premier Division heavyweights Derry City in a mouth-watering Second Round tie in the 2025 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup.
A Rivalry Reignited
The backdrop to this clash is rich in recent drama. The last time these two sides met in the FAI Cup was in October 2022, under the lights at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
On that occasion, Derry struck early, with Jamie McGonigle and Brandon Kavanagh putting them 2–0 up inside 16 minutes. Enda Curran pulled one back from the penalty spot after Jack Lynch was fouled, but despite a late surge from the visitors, including a near miss from William Armshaw, Treaty fell just short. Derry marched on to the final, where they would eventually lift the trophy.
Two years later, the roles are reversed in some ways. Derry remain the favourites, now fresh off a runner-up finish in last season’s Cup. Treaty, meanwhile, return with a hunger that comes only from unfinished business, and this time, they have home advantage.
Cup Pedigree vs. Cup Dreams
Derry arrive in Limerick sitting third in the Premier Division on 40 points, part of a tight title chase with Bohemians (41) and Shamrock Rovers (49). Their pedigree in this competition is clear: recent finalists, multiple-time champions, and one of the most consistent sides in Irish football.
But the FAI Cup has always made space for upsets, and Treaty United have been here before. Their own 2022 run, which saw them dismantle UCD 4–1 in the quarter-finals, proved that they can punch well above their weight. And this year, they’ll be hoping history repeats, but with a different ending.
Form, Firepower, and the Devitt Factor
Treaty’s recent form offers encouragement. In their last league outing, they toppled high-flying Cobh Ramblers 2–1 at the Markets Field. Connor Wilson netted his first goal of the season with a composed finish, assisted by Colin Conroy. And it was the returning Mark Byrne who sealed the win late on, following a sharp delivery from 19-year-old newcomer Brian Cunningham.
Speaking to Treaty United ahead of Friday’s clash, top scorer Lee Devitt, who has 14 league goals this season, just one off the league’s golden boot pace, offered insight into the squad’s mood:
We can't wait for Friday night, all the boys are buzzing and excited for the challenge ahead. These are the games you want to be playing in as a player — big cup ties against top teams. It's going to be a special atmosphere at the Markets Field, and we’ll need our 12th man behind us from the first whistle. We want to give our supporters a night to remember.
Selection Notes and New Faces
Treaty’s starting XI could see further youth injected into the squad, with Brian Cunningham making a strong case for continued inclusion after impressing in his cameo against Cobh. Meanwhile, midfielder Steven Healy may feel unlucky not to have been named in the most recent League of Ireland Team of the Week, a nod that went instead to Conroy, who also put in a strong shift.
New signing Patrick Ferry, formerly of Finn Harps, is unlikely to feature in the upcoming clash. His signing announcement was briefly posted before disappearing from the club’s social media channels, suggesting possible administrative or registration issues. As a result, his debut will likely be delayed until league action resumes.
Meanwhile, Treaty have also seen the departure of striker Yoyo Mahdy in recent weeks. His absence will be felt, particularly in matches like this where clinical finishing and experience up front could prove decisive.
Match Details
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Fixture: Treaty United vs Derry City
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Competition: Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup 2025 – Second Round
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Date: Friday, 18th July 2025
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Kick-off: 7:45 PM
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Venue: Markets Field, Limerick
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Admission Note: Season tickets are not valid for this fixture
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Referee: Lucas Keating
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Assistant Referees: Eoin Harte & Brian Fenlon
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Fourth Official: Kevin O’Sullivan
Limerick’s Big Weekend of Football
This fixture is not the only Cup action on the horizon for the city. On Saturday evening, FAI Junior Cup champions Fairview Rangers host seven-time FAI Cup winners and a Damien Duff-less Shelbourne at Singland Park in what promises to be a historic occasion for the club.
Limerick football fans are encouraged to show up for both fixtures, two home cup ties in two nights is a rare treat, and the city’s clubs will need full backing as they face top-tier opposition.
What’s Next for Treaty?
Once the dust settles on Friday’s cup clash, attention quickly returns to the First Division promotion hunt. Treaty, currently sitting fourth on 33 points, will resume league duties away to Athlone Town on July 25. While there’s a sizeable gap between them and the top three, Bray (43), Cobh (45), and leaders Dundalk (49), their recent form and fighting spirit suggest they remain in the playoff mix.
Friday night has all the ingredients: a dramatic cup rematch, a fired-up underdog, a top-tier opponent with silverware in their sights, and a raucous Limerick crowd.
For Treaty United, it’s not just a second-round tie, it’s a chance to rewrite the script, avenge a painful loss, and remind Irish football that cup magic is still very much alive at the Markets Field.
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