Nenagh have plenty of reason for optimism ahead of new campaign

SOCCER: Limerick District League Preview

By Pat Sheehan

After another long summer of speculation, transfers, comings and goings, the 2026/27 Limerick Junior Soccer season kicks off this week with the Premier League getting underway on Thursday evening.

For Nenagh AFC, the new campaign begins with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty following a season in which they finished just one place above the relegation zone. However, the final league position doesn't tell the whole story. Nenagh showed some excellent form as the season progressed.

They will be guided this time out by player-manager Kieran Barr who is the perfect role model for the younger players in the side. His challenge now is to build on that improvement, although they have lost a couple of players from last season's squad.

One of the biggest departures is undoubtedly Pa Steed, who has earned a deserved move to League of Ireland football with CK United in the new second division.

Steed was the League's Young Player of the Year last season, and his performances made his move to the senior ranks hardly surprising.

Aaron Cusack, who played his youth football with Pike Rovers, has also left Nenagh and returns to the Pike side.

At the time of writing there is also some uncertainty surrounding a number of last season's players, with several still undecided about committing for the new campaign.

That leaves the Nenagh manager and supporters waiting to see exactly what shape the squad will take when the season gets underway.

There is, however, plenty of reason for optimism as Nenagh have strengthened their squad with the signing of three excellent prospects from Treaty United's Under-20 team.

Tullamore native Conor Hanniffy has committed to the Nenagh for the season, while Nathan Ebbo and Brazilian Luis Felipe have also made the move.

All three arrive with the benefit of coming through the Treaty United system and will be eager to make their mark at Premier League level. Their arrival could prove particularly important given the departures from last season's squad.

The key for Nenagh will be to retain the positive momentum they developed during the latter stages of last season while integrating the new arrivals as quickly as possible.

With a mixture of experienced players, promising youngsters and three exciting new additions from Treaty United, Nenagh will be hoping that last season's difficult moments have provided the experience needed to take another step forward.

Survival was the objective last season. This time around, Nenagh will be looking to put a little more distance between themselves and the relegation battle — and perhaps surprise a few people along the way.

Elsewhere, champions Fairview Rangers will again start the season as strong favourites after adding Irish International AJ O’Connor to the squad.

Ballynanty Rovers, Pike Rovers and Aisling Annacotty have realistic chances of upsetting the odds but for the remaining sides it’s a case of survival and reaching personal goals.

In the Premier ‘A’ League, Newport Town, after a very promising run for promotion last season, will be hoping to go one better this time out.