The long-running dispute over the Limerick FC name has been resolved, with Treaty United FC, Limerick FC, and Carew confirming that an agreement has been reached over the return of the historic name to senior football.
In a joint statement released on Friday (October 2, 2026), the parties said that “the substantive matters” between them had been resolved following “positive and constructive discussions”, with the remaining practical steps to be completed cooperatively.
Read the full statement here:
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The announcement follows a turbulent number of weeks in Limerick football, after Treaty United confirmed in September that it had reached an agreement to use the Limerick FC name from the 2027 season.
That announcement was disputed by Limerick FC, which stated that ownership of the Limerick FC name and associated intellectual property remained subject to an internal dispute.
The row then widened when Carew issued a lengthy statement outlining its own position, including its claimed rights connected to the Limerick FC identity and concerns around the academy, young players, volunteers and the wider future of football in the city.
Now, all parties have confirmed that the substantive issues between them have been resolved.
What has actually been agreed?
The joint statement confirms that the outstanding substantive matters have been resolved, but says that “remaining practical transition steps” still need to be completed.
Further details will be announced in due course.
That means the precise arrangements surrounding the return of the Limerick FC identity, including how the transition will take place, have not yet been publicly outlined.
However, the statement makes clear that the intention remains for the Limerick FC name to return to senior football.
Treaty United also used the announcement to recognise the role Carew played in maintaining the Limerick FC identity during the period when the city did not have a senior League of Ireland team operating under the historic name.
The statement paid tribute to Carew Park, its coaches, volunteers, players, parents, sponsors and supporters.
“That commitment required far more than a name or a badge. It took the time, belief and hard work of people who cared deeply about the club and its place in Limerick.”
Treaty specifically thanked Carew figures including Mark Heffernan, David Dineen and Mike Aherne for their role during the process.
Carew, meanwhile, thanked Ian McMahon, Chuck Cosman, Tricor Pacific Capital Inc. and the Treaty United board for listening to its concerns and working towards a resolution.
More than just a name
The issue had developed into more than a dispute over what name would appear on the shirts.
Carew’s September statement raised concerns about the future of academy football, player pathways, volunteers and the wider structure supporting young players in Limerick.
The agreement appears to address some of those wider concerns, with both parties committing to exploring future opportunities to work together.
The joint statement says the two clubs will look at ways to “strengthen relationships and support player pathways and youth development”.
“The clubs believe this moment offers an opportunity to bring people together: those who supported Limerick FC in the past, those who have built and supported Treaty United, and those discovering the game through local clubs and youth football today. Each has a part to play in the next chapter.”
That commitment could prove particularly important for the young players and academy structures which became a central part of Carew’s concerns during the dispute.
A return to Limerick FC? What happens next?
For now, the exact practical arrangements remain unclear.
The joint statement says that the remaining transition steps will be completed cooperatively, with further details to follow.
It also signals a willingness from both sides to maintain a relationship beyond the immediate return of the Limerick FC name, particularly around youth development and player pathways.
The statement ends with a message to supporters from across the city’s football community.
“Both clubs ask supporters and the wider community to come together behind the return of Limerick FC to senior football and help build a future worthy of the city’s football history.”
After weeks of competing claims, public statements and uncertainty over who could use the Limerick FC identity, the focus can now turn towards making that return a reality.
The Limerick FC name is set to return to senior football in 2027.