Treaty United Falls Short Against Finn Harps in Emotional Clash

Treaty United faced a narrow 1-0 defeat against Finn Harps in the SSE Airtricity League First Division on March 15, 2024. The match, held at Finn Park in Ballybofey, was marked by an emotional tribute to the late Ollie Horgan, a well-respected figure in Irish football who passed away earlier that week at the age of 57.

Before the match commenced, both teams laid wreaths at the center of the pitch in memory of Horgan, who had strong connections to Limerick. His contributions to clubs like Finn Harps and Galway United left a lasting impact on players and fans alike. The moment of remembrance set a poignant tone for the evening.

Match Summary and Key Moments

Finn Harps opened the scoring with a 26th-minute strike from Hans Mpongo, which ultimately secured the victory for the home side. The match proved crucial for Treaty United, who saw their lead over Harps in the promotion playoff race reduced to just a single point following the defeat.

Despite a recent 7-0 loss to Dundalk, Treaty United started the match with determination. Harps quickly signaled their intent with a cross from Kieran Cooney that nearly connected with a teammate just minutes into the game. Treaty managed to register the first shot on target in the 11th minute, but Robbie Lynch’s header from a corner was easily handled by Harps goalkeeper Lorenzo Piaia.

The breakthrough for Harps came when Mpongo expertly controlled a long pass from Idir Zerrouk and placed the ball past Treaty goalkeeper Matthew Boylan. The home side nearly doubled their lead shortly after, with Max Hutchison missing a golden opportunity just before halftime.

Second Half Tensions and Missed Chances

As the second half began, Treaty United displayed renewed energy. Evan O’Connor was denied by Piaia from close range, and Colin Conroy saw his low shot saved as well. The visitors continued to press, but a controversial incident saw Treaty manager Tommy Barrett receive a straight red card after an altercation during a throw-in.

In the closing stages of the match, Treaty pushed hard for an equalizer. Piaia delivered a standout performance, making a remarkable save from substitute Joseph Hanson’s close-range effort. Despite their relentless efforts, Treaty United could not find the back of the net, and Finn Harps held on to claim the victory.

Looking ahead, Treaty United will aim to bounce back in their next fixture against UCD, scheduled for March 22, 2024, at the Markets Field. This upcoming match will be crucial as they strive to maintain their position in the playoff race.

The emotional atmosphere of the night, combined with the competitive nature of the match, highlighted the spirit of the SSE Airtricity League and the deep connections within the football community. The loss, while disappointing, serves as a reminder of the challenges and camaraderie present in the sport.