Preparations continue for Treaty United ahead of the 2026 season

TREATY UNITED continue their preparations for the upcoming SSE Airtricity League of Ireland First Division season.

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The Shannonsiders most recently secured victory in Westport, beating Sligo Rovers in a friendly last weekend. Goals from Cian Curtis and a trialist gave the 'Super Blues' a 2-1 win in Mayo.

Treaty's Munster Senior Cup run came to an abrubt end last Friday in the first round in Mayfield.

A youthful Treaty side were defeated 2-1 by Cork's Ringmahon Rangers via a late penalty at the death in extra time, the Limerick side losing 2-1 on the night.

It was a mixed bag of results for Treaty in the Garryowen-based side's other pre-season friendly fixtures.

Last season's First Division play-off finalists were beaten 0-2 by Galway United at Frank Healy Park before getting the better of neighbours Kerry FC in Ballingarry a few days later.

Goals from Ben Lee, Cian Curtis and a trialist handed Treaty their first win of 2026 a week ago as preparations continue for the upcoming First Division season.

Treaty will be hoping to take the positive form they showed at the end of last season into this up-coming campaign. The Shannonsiders finished last season superbly well, reaching the First Division Promotion Play-Off final against Bray Wanderers in Athlone.

A Justin Ferizaj 90th minute acrobatic effort broke Treaty hearts in that final, in a game that the Limerick-based side could have won on another day.

Barrett's charges had put a fine run of performances together before that final, with key wins against the likes of Wexford FC, Bray Wanderers and Cobh Ramblers.

Barrett will be hopeful his side can re-ignite last season's form but states that every season is different.

"You never know, every season is different. You have to try and get momentum early. Lots of clubs have strengthened. We went to try and sign some players that went to the likes of Cobh, Kerry and Athlone, so it's a competitive league, you're constantly in competition with other clubs and it's just about being smart with who you sign.

"We've gone for a tighter squad this year. We signed a lot of players last year. We had 25 players last year, but we will be going for 20 to 22 this year.

"You're always looking to compete against the best and no better team to start the season against than Cork City. It won't be easy, but we have a decent record at Turner's Cross and it is a game we are all really looking forward to."

Tommy Barrett's charges open their First Division account against Munster neighbours Cork City in what is sure to be a mouth-watering clash on Friday, February 13 at Turners Cross and clash will be broadcast live on LOITV.

Cork City were relegated to the First Division following last season's disappointing Premier Division campaign, which saw Barry Robson's finish on 24 points.