Preview: Treaty United (A)

Cork City are on the road this week as they travel to Limerick to take on Treaty United in a big Munster Derby in the First Division.

Interestingly Treaty United are the only team in the league City haven't beaten this season, with The Shannonsiders holding City to a scoreless draw in Limerick in March and a 1-1 draw at Turners Cross in May.

While City perch atop the First Division table with a fifteen-point cushion Treaty are languishing down in eighth, but still holding an outside shot of reaching the Play-offs.

Cork City were given a massive boost last weekend as the club confirmed the signing of Sean Murray on a permanent basis after the midfielder spent the first half of the season on loan from Glentoran, and also Sunday’s shock announcement of Ruairí Keating’s switch back to Leeside after a spell at St. Pats, much to the delight of the City faithful. Speaking in his weekly press conference in Bishopstown, Manager Tim Clancy analysed Friday’s opponents:

“I think they will be very difficult to break down, they are very dangerous on the counter attack, I will be expecting no different Friday night. They are the only team in the league we haven't beaten, and that is something we would like to change”

Clancy also spoke on the magnitude of Keating’s signing, and what it means for the club:

Bringing the likes of Keats back into the group and the success he had here previously and the connection he had with the fanbase and the club it can only benefit the players we already have”

“He’s delighted to be back, he’s happy, he had a tough time at Pats but sometimes that just happens. He is motivated and is in a good place, he has a good relationship with a lot of the staff and players in this club and he feels that this is his home”

“Short term he gives us another option in the attacking part of the pitch, it'll help us bed in until the end of the season and hopefully we’ll have a right crack at Derry in the Cup in a few weeks.”

The City boss also confirmed Keating will be available and will feature in the squad on Friday.

Clancy also spoke on the squad’s injuries, with Niall Brookwell back in training and closing in on full fitness, Cian Bargary and Harry Nevin’s hamstring injuries though keeping them unavailable for the coming weeks.

Officials for Friday night will be Ryan Maher assisted by David Connolly and Jonathan Hennessy, with Jason Moore the fourth official.

Make sure to follow the official Cork City FC Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook accounts for matchday content and live game updates!

How can I watch?

The game will be streamed live on the official League of Ireland streaming platform, LOITV! An individual match pass costs just €5.