Barry Robson's reign begins as Cork City host Treaty in season opener

Cork City will kick-start the new League of Ireland season with a Munster derby as they host Treaty United at Turner's Cross this evening.

It is a return to the First Division for the club once again, following last year's abysmal effort in the top flight. City picked up four wins from 36 games, and were relegated with a whimper.

For a club of Cork City's stature and support base, it was the most deflating campaign they’ve had in a long time. And they’ve had some awful seasons in recent years.

There is, at least, a new face in the dugout. Barry Robson, the former Aberdeen and Raith Rovers manager, has joined on a two-year deal and takes charge of his first league game this evening.

He replaces Ger Nash, whose resignation at the end of 2025 came as a shock, and who has since taken up the role of assistant manager with reigning Swedish champions Mjällby AIF.

The board have also brought in Simon Grayson – former manager of Leeds United, Preston North End and Sunderland – in an advisory capacity, a signal, perhaps, that those running the club are aware of the scale of the task ahead and the scrutiny that’s going to come with it.

The aim in 2026 was always going to be automatic promotion back to the Premier Division, and anything less than that will be unacceptable.

Cork City have been relegated three times since 2020, and the patience of supporters who have watched this club yo-yo between divisions for half a decade is not limitless. Robson will have been left with no doubt around the expectations he’s facing.

The more encouraging news lies in what hasn't changed. Seani Maguire has been retained, which – despite his persistent insistence that he would stay regardless of Cork's top-flight status – still came as a surprise to many given the links to Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers.

His presence, alongside the retention of Ruairí Keating, gives Robson two experienced, proven forwards that are well above First Division level.

On paper, that is a considerable advantage over every other team in the division, and the fact that both stayed is promising for the arrival of Robson.

In terms of outgoings, City have lost loan signings Kaedyn Kamara, Freddie Anderson and Kitt Nelson, all who have returned to their parent clubs, while Alex Nolan has been picked up by Sligo Rovers following the expiry of his contract. The club have added Hans Mpongo, a Dutch forward they picked up from Finn Harps.

With the level of experience in both the squad and the backroom staff, there is no reason they should not be capable of achieving promotion and avoiding a fifth Premier Division absence in seven years. The ingredients are there. Whether they are enough remains to be seen.

TREATY TEST 

Tonight’s opponents Treaty United have been led by Tommy Barrett since their entry into the league in 2021, and despite highs and lows, have spent pretty much the entirety of their First Division existence as a mid-table side.

Last season, despite finishing fifth, ended up being their finest yet. They eliminated playoff favourites Cobh Ramblers to reach the final, before eventually falling to Bray Wanderers after Justin Ferizaj scored a 90th minute winner for the Wicklow club.

Tonight’s clash will be a tough one for the Limerick outfit, especially after losing key player Lee Devitt, who joined Galway United for the 2026 season. Steven Healy also departed to Galway.

Other players to have moved on are Chris Horgan, Dean Owens, Connor Wilson, Eoin Martin, Niko Kozlowski, Joe Hanson, Patrick Ferry and Karl O’Sullivan. Barrett has intentionally kept the squad lean heading into the new campaign, but they have brought goalkeeper Jack Brady back to the club for the new season.

This evening’s match up should be an interesting one. City will of course be heavy favourites at home, but it will be a good test for Robson’s side nonetheless to see how they shape up, as they begin the lengthy journey of trying to right the wrongs of last year’s campaign.