Treaty United batter Pike Rovers in Limerick derby

Treaty United cruised into quarter-finals of the Sports Direct FAI Cup as they made light work of neighbours Pike Rovers at the Markets Field.

The result was in no doubt by the break, with the League of Ireland outfit leading by four before Lee Devitt went on to complete his hat-trick just 90 seconds into the second half – with the margin of victory eventually extending to seven on the night.

This was just the second FAI Cup meeting between two sides based in Limerick, and the first to feature two clubs from the city.

Limerick City beat Newcastle West back in 1987 – although it was hardly much of a rivalry given the sides shared mutual supporters who frequented both teams' games.

Friday night’s clash brought a slightly different dynamic to the fore. Over the years, Limerick has been divided spiritually when it comes to football.

The city’s League of Ireland representation fluctuated massively in terms of success – often languishing at the foot of the second tier, while many of Limerick’s best players opted to ply their trade in junior ranks.

So the theory that playing for Limerick FC, Limerick 37 or whatever moniker they were fielding at a given time was the height of your domestic ambition was rightly contested when Pike Rovers were among the best junior sides in the nation.

It’s also well-noted that while technically being of lesser rank on a footballing pyramid, Pike Rovers have bailed senior football out in the city before – offering the use of Crossagalla – when it had nowhere else to go.

Despite that kindness, it was clear early on that Treaty weren’t feeling charitable when Lee Devitt put Treaty into the lead after just 41 seconds.

Enda Curran controlled well before flicking the ball off a wayward Pike limb not once, but