In a major win for League of Ireland football and the Mid-West region, it has been confirmed today that Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP) has officially signed a long-term lease with Treaty United Football Club for exclusive use of the historic Markets Field Stadium.
The deal secures the future of senior soccer in Limerick while preserving one of the city’s most iconic sporting venues.
The new agreement sees Treaty United take full operational control of the UEFA Category Two stadium in Garryowen, which boasts a capacity of over 3,000.
The lease guarantees the continued use of the stadium by both the club’s men’s and women’s teams, competing in the League of Ireland, and gives Treaty United the green light to oversee future developments at the venue.
“This is a proud day for LEDP and for Limerick football,” said Niall O’Callaghan, CEO of LEDP. “We’re delighted to hand over the day-to-day running of the Markets Field to Treaty United, a club whose ambitions mirror our own for a stronger, thriving city.”
“This lease provides long-term certainty for the club and ensures the stadium remains a beacon for football in the region.”
The signing of the lease marks the culmination of a 15-year journey for LEDP, which acquired the former greyhound track in 2011 with support from the JP McManus Charitable Foundation.
Since then, LEDP has overseen the complete redevelopment of the site into a modern football stadium and managed its operations, ensuring it met UEFA standards and became once again a home for senior soccer in Limerick.
“LEDP has been seeking a sustainable model to safeguard the stadium’s future, and this agreement reflects a shared commitment with Treaty United to grow the game locally,” O’Callaghan added. He also praised the dedication of the LEDP team in maintaining one of the best pitches in Irish football.
Treaty United CEO Ciara McCormack expressed her gratitude and excitement at the opportunity to build a permanent home for the club.
“This is a historic moment for Treaty United and for Limerick soccer,” she said. “We are honoured that LEDP has placed their trust in us.”
“This long-term lease gives us the foundation we need to grow as a club and as a community hub. The Markets Field is more than just a stadium — it’s a place filled with memories and meaning for generations of fans.”
McCormack said the agreement was not only about facilities but about collaboration for regional progress.
“This is a meaningful partnership that shows what’s possible when organisations come together with a shared vision for the greater good of Limerick and the Mid-West.”
The Markets Field has deep roots in Limerick’s sporting heritage, once serving as a venue for Gaelic Games and greyhound racing before its transformation into a modern football ground.
Founded in 2020, Treaty United FC has quickly established itself, fielding competitive men’s and women’s teams and developing a strong academy system.
The lease agreement is expected to strengthen the club’s foundation and allow it to plan more strategically for future growth.
“This is about honouring the past, securing the present, and building the future of soccer in Limerick,” concluded O’Callaghan. “We’re proud to be part of that story.”
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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
A win for the League of ireland with the long lease allowing Treaty United access to a greater level of capital funding as well as potential private investment.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Treaty United currently lie fourth in the SSE Airtricity men’s First Division and fifth in the Women’s Premier Division.
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