Originally Posted by
Tommy Barrett
Treaty United boss Tommy Barrett says the League of Ireland's newest club have "nothing to lose" as men's senior soccer returns to Limerick after a year's absence.
Barrett was manager of Limerick FC when the club folded in 2019. Last Saturday, it was confirmed that Treaty United - who entered the Women's National League last season - had received a licence to compete in a men's 10-team SSE Airtricity League First Division. Barrett was the man named in charge.
Treaty replace Shamrock Rovers' reserve side, who played in the division last season following the withdrawal of Limerick FC. For Barrett, it's a welcome lift for the area.
"It's fantastic for the whole midwest region and beyond because senior soccer was part of Limerick's history for over 80 years," he told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
"To have it broken last year was terrible for the city and the region. Now we can move forward and look forward to the season. We have nothing to lose. Let's have a go."
Barrett stressed the importance of clubs like Limerick, and domestic football generally, receiving sustained backing to survive and propser.
"It has been a rollercoaster - the whole history of Limerick FC actually and Limerick senor football," he said when reflecting on Limerick's demise and Treaty's rise.
"That probably correlates with the whole League of Ireland.
"There always seems to be trouble or a rollercoaster for clubs, just look at Cork - a few years ago they were champions. I think it's a League of Ireland thing really. It needs more support and it needs more backing.
"A national plan needs to be put in place to make senor football better and football in general better in this country."