THE word historic is often overused in relation to events or achievements.
However, Treaty United’s upcoming meeting with Pike Rovers in the Third Round of the Sports Direct Mens FAI Cup (at Markets Field on Friday, 7.45pm) is genuinely of historic proportions.
Only once before in the competition’s long and storied history have two Limerick sides met in the FAI Cup. That was back in 1987, when Newcastle West AFC (then in the League of Ireland) hosted Limerick City in the Demense (or as it was called at the time, Ballygowan Park).
That game resulted in a 4-0 victory for the away side.
There are a couple of interesting modern-day links to that game from 37 years ago, one of which relates to Al Finucane, who played with both Newcastle West AFC and Limerick City, although he was not with either club at the time they met in the FAI Cup.
Al was recently a guest of honour at the Markets Field for Treaty United’s Second Round game against Killbarrack United.
The Finucane family link to Pike Rovers extends even further. Al’s son, Alan, played with Pike, while his nephew, Paul, played schoolboy football with the Crossagalla club before forging a League of Ireland career at senior in Limerick.
Another link with ’87 is Tommy Lynch, who co-commentates on LOI TV for Treaty United’s home games and who will be on duty for the Pike tie, was a midfielder that day for Limerick.
The relative strength of League of Ireland and the top end of junior soccer in Limerick has long been a discussion topic in homes, clubhouses and hostelries around the city and county.
That comparison will be put to the test in a fixture of significant importance when the stakes really are high with a place in the quarter finals of the Cup for the winner.
Treaty manager, Tommy Barrett is well-versed in the local junior soccer scene.
He is looking forward to the game.
“We are really looking forward to the occasion and are expecting a really tough game. Pike are a really good, experienced side along with some very good youngsters. We’ll treat them with the respect they deserve. We’re hoping for a big turn-out and to put on a performance for the fans and, hopefully, make it through to the next round.
Pike are one the junior clubs that have helped keep senior soccer alive in the city. They came to the help of Limerick FC back in 2003 and 2004 when they made their pitch in Crossagalla available for League of Ireland soccer.”
by Mike Byrne
