Treaty United Player Profiles: O’Donnell, Spain and Connolly

We continue to sift through the 2023 Treaty United squad ahead of the league opener with Bray Wanderers on Friday night. In this section, we focus on new centre-back duo Anthony O’Donnell and Andy Spain along with central midfielder Ryan Connolly.

Anthony O’Donnell: Treaty United supporters were delighted to hear that O’Donnell had returned for the 2023 season following a year absence due to injury. O’Donnell was a key member of Tommy Barrett’s side in the team’s inaugural season in the League of Ireland and his partnership with the now departed Sean Guerins was a major reason for the club reaching the play-offs unexpectedly.

O’Donnell was no stranger to the League of Ireland before signing for Treaty as he had started out with Limerick FC’s academy in 2012 before moving on to play for Cobh Ramblers at senior level for two years. He also spent a season at Munster rivals Waterford FC in 2015 before returning to Cobh Ramblers. Following a short period with Munster Senior League outfit Ringmahon Rangers in 2022, O’Donnell returned to League of Ireland football with Treaty.

He is a no nonsense defender but the physical centre-back is also a huge goal threat from set-pieces and scored 6 goals for the club in 2021. He has featured in all of Treaty’s pre-season friendlies including the Munster Senior Cup victory against his old club Ringmahon Rangers.

Anto admits last year was a tough period but is delighted to be back at the club. “I am delighted to be back now. Last year was a bit of a nightmare for me watching at home from the sidelines but I am delighted to be back and fit again.”

Ryan Connolly: The signing of Ryan Connolly was eye catching given the experience that the central midfielder has gained following many seasons in the League of Ireland. Connolly signed from recently relegated Finn Harps where he spent 2 years under Ollie Horgan’s management. Supporters of the County Donegal club seemed unhappy to see Connolly leave which Treaty supporters are hoping is a good omen.

Connolly was on the books at English Championship club Derby County for three years and managed to make a senior appearance on the final day of the 2010 season. Upon his return to Ireland, the midfielder signed for Sligo Rovers where he made 17 appearances before going on loan to Longford Town.

Perhaps his most fruitful and consistent spell in the League of Ireland was at hometown club Galway United between 2014-2016 when he scored 12 goals during the period and earned himself a move to Shamrock Rovers for 2017 season. He played 20 times for Rovers including European experience but did return to Galway after just one season. He was a key player for Finn Harps in 2 seasons and averaged 30 appearances in 2021 and 2022. His experience alongside the likes of Marc Ludden, Enda Curran and Ben O’Riordan will be invaluable to Tommy Barrett.

Following the departures of Jack Lynch and Joe Collins, options in midfield had been bare before Connolly’s arrival. His range of passing and reading of the game are key assets for Treaty. Connolly has enjoyed an uninterrupted pre-season campaign which included a first competitive game in the Munster Senior Cup victory over Ringmahon Rangers.

Andy Spain: Andy joined Treaty United from First Division rivals Athlone Town where he made 18 appearances with 14 of those being from the start of games. Spain is a centre-back and due to the departure of Sean Guerins and Callum McNamara, he will be a big addition. He will be competing with fellow new arrival Anthony O’Donnell and Mark Walsh for a starting place.

The 21 year-old impressed at underage level as he played with Shamrock Rovers under 17’s and 19’s. In 2020 he played for Dublin rivals Saint Patrick’s Athltic under 19’s before making the move to Midlands outfit Athlone. Spain played against Cork City, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne and a Limerick District League XI in pre season. Worryingly, he was replaced after just 35 minutes on the field against the Limerick District League last night but Treaty will be hoping it is not an injury which will keep him out of next week’s opener against Bray.