McCarthy: 'We can take motivation from Treaty showing what’s possible' 

In many ways, Treaty is the club Kerry are aiming to replicate. They, too, commenced with the blank canvas of an all-amateur squad three years ago couched in the realities of modest expectations.

MORE COMPETITIVE: A Kerry FC win at Treaty United on Friday would hoist them above the Limerick side as the province’s closest challengers. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

While leaders Cork City were undisputed hot favourites for the First Division title from the outset, few expected Kerry to provide the primary competition from Munster.

There was no surprise when the league’s newest club finished bottom in their maiden season but a win at Treaty United on Friday would hoist them above the Limerick side as the province’s closest challengers.