There is growing confusion among football supporters in Limerick after Treaty United and Limerick FC released completely different statements over the proposed move to bring the two clubs together under the Limerick FC name. Treaty United had first announced plans in June to unite the two sides and said on Monday morning that the necessary formalities and approvals had now been completed. The club said it was delighted to confirm that it would adopt the historic Limerick FC name from the beginning of the 2027 season.
However, Limerick FC quickly disputed that announcement, saying the statement released by Treaty United was not true and that the ownership of the club’s name and intellectual property remains under dispute.
In its statement, Treaty United said the agreement to acquire the intellectual property associated with Limerick FC had been completed. The club described the development as an important step for football in Limerick and the wider Mid-West, saying it would allow the proposed transition to move forward. Treaty United also said the plan would bring together the history and identity associated with Limerick FC with the League of Ireland structure and platform already established by Treaty United.
The club believes the move could bring players, supporters, sponsors, partners and the wider football community together behind one senior club in the region. The Limerick FC name has a long history in Irish football and has strong connections with supporters in the city. Treaty United said it understood the importance of that history and wanted to protect it while also building a sustainable future for the club. The statement also thanked Pat O’Sullivan for his contribution to football in Limerick and for his involvement in the proposed transfer of the Limerick FC identity.
Treaty United Managing Director Ian McMahon said the proposed change was about more than simply changing the club’s name. He said the aim was to bring football in Limerick together and create a club capable of representing the city and the wider Mid-West for many years to come. McMahon also acknowledged the importance of the Limerick FC name and said Treaty United understood the responsibility that would come with taking on the club’s history and identity.
He also thanked John Moran, Mayor of Limerick, for his support during the process. But shortly after Treaty United released its statement, Limerick FC responded with a very different position. “The statement issued today is not true,” Limerick FC said. The club claimed that ownership of Limerick FC, including its name and intellectual property, is currently involved in an internal ownership dispute. Limerick FC further stated that any agreement involving a third party over the club’s name or intellectual property while the dispute remains unresolved would be invalid.
According to the club, the Football Association of Ireland, Tricor and Treaty United have been aware of the dispute for the past 12 months. Limerick FC also warned that any unauthorised use of its name, crest or intellectual property could lead to legal action. The club said it would apply to the High Court for an injunction if an attempt was made to use the Limerick FC identity without authorisation.
The conflicting statements have now left supporters with more questions than answers about what will happen next. Treaty United is saying that the necessary approvals have been completed and that the Limerick FC name will return from the start of the 2027 season. Limerick FC, on the other hand, is disputing the validity of the agreement and has indicated that the matter could end up before the High Court.
For supporters who have been following the proposed unification since it was first announced in June, the latest development is likely to be a frustrating one. Until the ownership dispute is resolved or the parties reach a new agreement, there remains uncertainty over whether Treaty United will actually be able to adopt the Limerick FC name for the 2027 season.
