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Keith Treacy
Keith Treacy
Keith Treacy
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Keith Patrick Treacy (born 13 September 1988) is an Irish former footballer who was a Republic of Ireland international and who last played for St Patrick's Athletic. He spent his youth at Belvedere and began his professional career at Blackburn Rovers. Treacy has also played for Stockport County, Sheffield United, Preston North End, Burnley, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Drogheda United and St Patrick's Athletic.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Blackburn Rovers

[edit]

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Treacy started playing football with Belvedere for the youth team, before signing his first professional contract in 2005, keeping him until 2008.[1]

On 23 November 2006, Treacy joined Stockport County on a one-month loan deal.[2] He made his Stockport County debut, in a 1–1 draw against Macclesfield Town on 25 November 2006.[3] After ending his loan spell at Stockport County, making four appearances, Treacy signed a new contract with the club on 12 June 2007, keeping him until 2011.[4]

After signing a new contract with the club, Treacy was promoted to the Blackburn Rovers' first team ahead of the 2007–08 season.[5] It was not until on 31 October 2007 when he made his debut for the club in a League Cup tie against Portsmouth as a substitute, as Blackburn Rovers won 2–1.[6] Two months on 5 January 2008, Treacy made his first start against Coventry City in the FA Cup third round in a 4–1 defeat back on 5 January 2008, before being substituted off and replaced by striker Matt Derbyshire.[7] He went on to make two appearances at the end of the 2007–08 season.

At the start of the 2008–09 season, Treacy was called up to the first team under the new management of Paul Ince.[8] He then made his league debut for Blackburn Rovers in the opening game of the season, in a 3–2 win over Everton on 16 August 2008.[9] Treacy found his playing time in the league, mostly coming from the substitute bench.[10] At times, he was given starts in a number of matches for the side.[11] Treacy went on to make twelve appearances throughout the 2008–09 season. Reflecting on his performance, local newspaper Lancashire Telegraph commented about the player, saying: "Next season will be an important season for the young Irishman after a disappointing campaign this time round. A hot prospect as he came through Rovers' youth ranks, has never really transformed that into first team ability. A direct and powerful runner, who has again showed his potential, but will need to deliver in earnest next season."[12]

In July 2009, Treacy joined Sheffield United on a six-month loan deal,[13] making his début for the club in a 0–0 draw with Middlesbrough on the first day of the 2009–2010 season.[14] He soon followed his debut up with two assists for the Blades against Watford the following week and a stunning long range goal three days later in a midweek match against Leicester City.[15] Since joining the club, Treacy started the season as a regular in the Blades side despite facing an injury that almost saw him sidelined for six months.[16] By November, he had dropped out of the team and terminated his loan stay early to return to Blackburn in mid-December[17]

Upon returning to his parent club, Treacy was soon placed on the transfer list in the January transfer window.[18] Treacy later talked about his time at Blackburn Rovers, stating that only Manager Paul Ince have confidence in him and that under the management of Sam Allardyce lead Treacy considered quitting football.[19]

Preston North End

[edit]

Treacy signed a 2+1⁄2-year contract with an option of a further year with Preston North End on 1 February 2010.[20] Following his move to the club, he defended his move to Blackburn's arch-rivals, Preston North End, was only for to play football.[21]

Treacy made his Preston North End debut, coming on as a 56th-minute substitute, in a 4–1 loss against Barnsley on 2 February 2010.[22] After missing two matches due to injury, he returned to the first team against Watford on 3 April 2010, coming on as a 38th-minute substitute, and set up the equalising goal, in a 1–1 draw.[23] This was followed up by scoring his first goal for the Lancashire outfit in a 3–1 defeat Crystal Palace on 5 April 2010, and another came against over Scunthorpe United five days later, as well as, setting up one of the goals, in a 3–2 win.[24] In the second half of the season at Preston North End, Treacy scored twice in seventeen appearances. A few weeks after the 2009–10 season, he had a successful operation on his hernia.[25]

At the start of the 2010–11 season, Treacy started things well when he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 win over Bradford City.[26] In the local-rivalry against Burnley on 11 September 2010, Treacy scored and provided an assist for Jon Parkin, in a 4–3 loss.[27] He scored his second League Cup goal of the season on 22 September 2010, in a 2–1 loss against Wigan Athletic, eliminating Preston North End from the League Cup.[28] Treacy then scored two goals in two consecutive matches between 28 September 2010 and 2 October 2010 against Leeds United and Reading.[29] However in a match against Derby County on 16 October 2010, he was sent–off for a second bookable offence after giving away a penalty at the last minutes, as the club lost 3–0.[30] After serving a one match suspension, Treacy returned to the starting line–up against Crystal Palace on 23 October 2010, and "fired home from all of 35 yards for his sixth goal of the season", in a 4–3 win.[31] His goal against Crystal Palace later earned him Goal of The Season Award at Preston North End's Award Ceremony.[32] Since joining the club, he continued to regain his first team place throughout the 2010–11 season.[33] Treacy then provided seven assists in nine matches between 15 February 2011 and 19 March 2011.[34] During which, he scored his first goal in five months against Scunthorpe United, in a 3–0 win on 15 March 2011.[35] A month later on 16 April 2011, Treacy scored a brace, in a 3–1 win against his old club, Sheffield United.[36] However, Preston North End were relegated to League One, following a dismal season with only 42 points.[37] Even though Preston North End were relegated to League One, Treacy finished the 2010–11 season with and making forty-one appearances and scoring nine times in all competitions.

Following Preston North End relegation to League One, Treacy announced his intention to leave the club, stating he prefer to play in higher level than League One.[38] Manager Phil Brown later confirmed that four clubs were keen to sign him, though the bid is yet to be made.[39]

Burnley

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On 31 July 2011, Burnley confirmed that they had had an offer for Treacy accepted and that he would discuss personal terms with the Clarets.[40] A day later, he signed a three-year deal after completing a medical.[41]

He scored on his debut for the club, coming on as a substitute on the 65th minute against Watford, in a 2–2 draw at Turf Moor.[42] After scoring on his debut, Manager Eddie Howe praised Treacy's performance.[43] His second later came on 17 September 2011, in a 2–1 loss against Peterborough United.[44] Unfortunately, Treacy suffered a hamstring injury in training that kept him out for two weeks.[45] It was not until on 1 October 2011 when he made his return against Millwall, coming on as a substitute for Marvin Bartley in a 1–0 loss.[46] Since joining Burnley, Treacy became a first team regular for Burnley, playing in the midfield position.[47] He then provided a double assist on 29 November 2011, in a 4–0 win over Ipswich Town.[48] However, Treacy's form and fitness began to falter, resulting him not being in the starting line-up, prompting Manager Howe insisted Treacy remained at the club throughout the transfer window.[49] By the time he was loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday, Treacy went on to make twenty–seven appearances and scoring two times for Burnley at the end of the 2011–12 season.

Manager Howe expected Treacy to return to Burnley's pre-season training ahead of the 2012–13 season, having given him a second chance in the first team.[50] However, he missed the first two games due to a groin injury.[51] Treacy made his first appearance since returning from a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, coming on as a substitute for Joseph Mills in the 73rd minute, in a 2–0 loss against Huddersfield Town on 25 August 2012.[52] However, his poor performance against Plymouth Argyle in the second round of the League Cup led Manager Howe to send him to the club's Development Squad.[53] After spending months at Burnley's Development Squad, he was recalled to the first team under the new management of Sean Dyche[54] It was not until on 15 December 2012 when Treacy made his first team return, coming on as a substitute for Danny Ings in a 1–1 draw against Watford.[55] He then started his first game in a year for Burnley in the 1–0 defeat against Leicester City on 29 December 2012.[56] This was followed up by scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 win against Sheffield Wednesday on the first day of 2013.[57] After the match, Treacy praised Dyche for giving him a second chance at Burnley.[58] His first team return saw him in and out of the starting line–up for the club.[59] At the end of the 2012–13 season, he went on to make seventeen appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

Treacy started the season well when he scored his first goal of the season and his first appearance of the 2013–14 season, just three minutes after coming on as a substitute, in a 3–0 win over Yeovil Town on 17 August 2013.[60] After the match, Treacy praised Dyche for putting his career on track and credited the fitness coach Mark Howard for helping him lose weight and improving his physique.[61] Treacy then set up a goal for Jason Shackell on 31 August 2013, in a 3–0 win over Derby County.[62] However throughout the 2013–14 season, Treacy's first team was largely restricted to substitute appearances, due to strong competitions in Burnley's midfield positions.[63] He also faced sidelined, including a suspension following his sending off against West Ham United in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on 29 October 2013, as the club lost 2–0.[64] Treacy's second goal later came on 15 February 2014, in a 1–1 draw against AFC Bournemouth.[65] His contributions helped Burnley gain promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2009.[66] At the end of the 2013–14 season, he went on to make thirty–one appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

Despite keen on signing a contract with the club, Treacy was released by Burnley, having remained a fringe player in the first team squad under managers Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche.[67]

Loan Spell at Sheffield Wednesday

[edit]

In effort to boost chance to make to the Ireland Squad for UEFA Euro 2012,[68] Treacy joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season.[69]

He made his debut for the club two days later, coming on as a substitute for Jermaine Johnson in the 78th minute, in a 1–0 win over Leyton Orient.[70] After making appearance, mostly from coming on the bench, Treacy scored his first Sheffield Wednesday goal, coming from a direct free kick and provided a winning goal, in a 2–1 win over Brentford on 28 April 2012.[71][72] His contributions at the club saw the Owls' promotion back to the Championship during the 2011–12 season.[73] After scoring once in seven appearances, Treacy hinted he could turn his loan move from the club into a permanent basis.[74] However, Sheffield Wednesday was not keen on signing him on a permanent basis and returned to his parent club.[75]

Barnsley

[edit]

On 6 August 2014, Treacy was announced to have signed for League One team Barnsley on a two-year contract.[76]

Treacy made his debut for the club in the opening game of the season, coming on as a substitute for Danny Rose in the 66th minute, in a 1–0 loss against Crawley Town.[77] Unfortunately, Tracey's start to his Barnsley's career went bad after needing rehabilitation.[78] Treacy then scored his first Barnsley goal on 22 November 2014, in a 2–1 loss against Chesterfield.[79] However, just six months into his contract, he left Barnsley by mutual consent in January 2015, after he had made 16 appearances.[80]

Drogheda United

[edit]

Treacy returned to Ireland and joined struggling Premier Division side Drogheda United midway through the season.[81] He made his debut for the club, starting a match and played 64 minutes before being substituted, in a 4–1 loss against Limerick on 28 August 2015.[82] It was not until on 25 September 2015 when Treacy scored his first goal for Drogheda United, in a 2–2 draw against Bohemians.[83] This was followed up by scoring his second goal for the club, in a 1–1 draw against Cork City.[84] However, his two goals in eight games was not enough to help his side avoid being relegated on the final day of the season.[85]

St Patrick's Athletic

[edit]

Treacy left Drogheda United to sign for another Premier Division side, St Patrick's Athletic on a one-year contract.[86] He made his debut for the club, coming on as a 53rd-minute substitute, in a 1–0 win against Longford Town on 11 March 2016.[87] Treacy played 14 league games for the Saints through the season, scoring one goal away to Derry City.[88] He featured in all 4 games in the club's UEFA Europa League campaign and once set up a goal for the Saints in a 2–1 loss against Jeunesse Esch in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.[89] However due to injuries, Treacy was not in the squad for the League Cup Final as Pats beat Limerick 4–1 to retain the trophy.[90] At the end of the 2016 season, he went on to make eighteen appearances and scoring once for the club. Following this, St Patrick's Athletic released Treacy upon expiry of his contract.

Retirement

[edit]

On 29 November 2016, Treacy came out and spoke to the media about how 'Depression has been an issue for all of my career', his struggles with it through 2016 and how he was eyeing a possible comeback to the game in 2017.[91]

On 20 August 2019, Treacy spoke about his desire to return to playing League of Ireland football.[92]

International career

[edit]

Youth career

[edit]

In April 2004, Treacy was called up to the Republic of Ireland U17.[93] He went to make four appearances for the U17 side, including the Toyota International Youth Tournament.[94]

In August 2005, Treacy was called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 for the first time.[95] He made his U19 side debut, starting the whole game, in a 2–0 loss against Czech Republic U19 on 2 October 2005.[96] Treacy then scored his first Republic of Ireland U19 goal, in a 2–1 win against Ukraine U19 at Terryland Park on 15 August 2006.[97] He went on to make thirteen appearances and scoring once for the U19 side.

Treacy was first called up by Republic of Ireland U21 in November 2007.[98] He made his U21 debut, starting the whole game, in a 1–0 loss against Montenegro U21 on 16 November 2007.[99] However, Treacy suffered a hamstring injury in training ahead of the match and didn't play for the Republic of Ireland U21 for another nine months.[100] In August 2008, he was then called up to the U21 side and was given the captaincy for the first time.[101] Treacy scored his only goal at this level on 20 August 2008 in a 1–1 draw against Austria U21.[102] After spending a year without the U21 side call–up following a fallen out with Don Givens, he was called up to Ireland U21 and made two more appearances by the end of 2009.[103] Treacy went on to make nine appearances and scoring once for the U21 side.

Senior career

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In July 2010, Treacy was called up to the Republic of Ireland for the first time.[104] On 11 August 2010, he made his senior international début for the national side against Argentina, coming on as a substitute in the second half for Keith Fahey in the first international at the new Aviva Stadium in Dublin.[105]

In May 2011, Treacy was called up to Republic of Ireland squad once again, earning his call up for the first time in six months.[106] On 24 May 2011, he earned a starting place winning his third cap with an impressive display in the 2011 Nations Cup game against rivals Northern Ireland.[107] Treacy then appeared three more times for the national side by the end of the year.[108] He went on to make six appearances for Republic of Ireland.

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 20 February 2017.
Club statistics
Club Season League Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Stockport County (loan) 2006–07[109] EFL League Two 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Blackburn Rovers
2007–08[110]
 Premier League 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
2008–09[111]
 12 0 4 0 4 0 — 20 0
Blackburn Rovers Total 12 0 5 0 5 0 0 0 22 0
Sheffield United (loan) 2009–10[112] EFL Championship 16 1 0 0 1 0 — 17 1
Preston North End 2009–10[113] 17 2 0 0 0 0 — 17 2
2010–11[113] 38 7 1 0 2 2 — 41 9
Preston North End Total 55 9 1 0 2 2 — 58 11
Burnley 2011–12[114] EFL Championship 24 2 0 0 3 0 — 27 2
2012–13[115] 15 1 1 0 1 0 — 17 1
2013–14[116] 27 2 1 0 3 0 — 31 2
Burnley Total 66 5 2 0 7 0 — 75 5
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2011–12[117] EFL League One 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 1
Barnsley 2014–15[118] 12 1 2 0 1 0 1[a] 0 16 1
Drogheda United 2015[119] League of Ireland Premier Division 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 2
St Patrick's Athletic 2016[120] 14 1 1 0 2 0 4[b] 0 21 1
Career total 194 20 11 0 18 2 5 0 228 22
  1. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International

[edit]
As of match played 10 August 2011.[121]
International statistics
National team Year Apps Goals
Republic of Ireland 2010 1 0
2011 5 0
Total 6 0

Personal life

[edit]

On 12 October 2014, Treacy married his long-term girlfriend in Ireland, causing him to miss the Yorkshire derby against Bradford City.[122] Together, they have two children.[123]

On 29 November 2016, Treacy opened up about his struggles with depression throughout his football career.[91] In August 2019, he spoke about his previous struggles with alcoholism during his career.[92] A year later, Treacy continued to speak out about his struggles, saying his aim is to help footballers, who were let down by the football industry.[124]

Honours

[edit]
Sheffield Wednesday
Burnley
St Patrick's Athletic

Republic of Ireland

Awards

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Keith Treacy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Keith Treacy (born 13 September 1988) is an Irish former professional footballer who primarily played as a left , representing clubs across and before retiring in 2017, and who earned six caps for the national team between 2010 and 2013. Born in , Treacy began his career in the of Blackburn Rovers, signing his first professional contract in 2005 and making his senior debut in 2008. Over the course of his playing career, he featured for multiple clubs, including loan spells at Stockport County and United, permanent moves to Preston North End (where he scored 9 goals in 41 appearances during the 2010–2011 season), (with 75 appearances and 5 goals from 2011 to 2014, including a loan to Wednesday), and later teams such as , United, and St Patrick's Athletic, amassing 225 total club appearances and 21 goals. His time at under managers like and marked a peak in his career, though it was also marred by personal challenges. Treacy's promising trajectory was significantly impacted by struggles with alcohol , which he has publicly discussed as beginning in his early professional years and ultimately contributing to the premature end of his full-time career at age 28. During his stint at , the addiction led to instances of playing while under the influence and seeking help from manager , who provided crucial support in addressing the issue. After retiring, Treacy transitioned into coaching, serving as a youth coach at St Patrick's Athletic as of 2022, while also establishing himself as a football pundit, offering analysis for broadcasters such as on matches and domestic leagues. In recent years, he has become an advocate for and recovery in sports, sharing his experiences to support others facing similar battles.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Keith Treacy was born on 13 September 1988 in , . He grew up in the area of Dublin's north inner city, a neighborhood known for its working-class roots and strong community ties. His mother was instrumental in supporting his early football ambitions, encouraging him to seize professional opportunities abroad to steer clear of local . From childhood, Treacy displayed a keen interest in football, idolizing winger and emulating his dedication by focusing intensely on training and rest. This passion emerged amid Dublin's vibrant local sports culture, where soccer competed with for young talents in the northside.

Youth football beginnings

Keith Treacy began his organized football journey in the youth leagues of with , an inner-city club renowned for nurturing talent. Progressing through the club's ranks, he caught the attention of Blackburn Rovers scout Gerry Cassidy during a match in , leading to his relocation to at the age of 15 in 2003. Due to regulations prohibiting full-time academy registration for players under 16, Treacy initially trained with Blackburn's first team while living independently, adapting to a new environment that included significant homesickness but also rapid exposure to professional standards. Upon turning 16 in September 2004, Treacy officially joined Blackburn Rovers' academy, where he quickly established himself as a promising winger noted for his speed and ability. He made an early impression by featuring in a pre-season friendly against Grimsby Town that summer, and under reserve team manager , he became a regular in the reserves while also training alongside the professional squad. This period of development honed his skills in a competitive setup, building on the discipline and street-smart foundations from Belvedere. Treacy's progress culminated in July 2005, when, at age 16, he signed his first professional contract with Blackburn Rovers—a three-year deal extending until the summer of 2008—as a reward for his academy-to-reserves transition. This milestone marked his entry into professional terms, setting the stage for further opportunities within the club's youth system.

Club career

Blackburn Rovers

Treacy joined Blackburn Rovers' youth academy from in as a teenager and signed his first professional contract with the club in October 2005, committing until 2008. His early senior exposure came via a one-month to Stockport County in November 2006, where he made four appearances in League One without scoring. He then had a season-long to Sheffield United in July 2009, making 16 appearances and scoring once in the . Upon returning from loans, he impressed enough to earn a new three-year contract extension in June 2007, tying him to Blackburn until summer 2011. Treacy's breakthrough to the first team occurred in the 2008–09 season under manager . He made his Premier League debut as a substitute in a 1–0 victory over Everton on 16 August 2008 at . Across all competitions that season, he featured in 22 matches—12 in the and 10 in domestic cups—accumulating 953 minutes without registering a goal, though he provided two assists. Key moments included substitute appearances in the League Cup against in November 2008 and the fourth-round replay against the same opponents in February 2009, where Blackburn advanced 2–1 after extra time amid a run to the quarter-finals. The arrival of as manager in November 2008 brought further challenges for Treacy in breaking into the starting lineup consistently, amid stiff competition in midfield and on the wings. A car crash incident in 2009 exacerbated his difficulties, leading to disciplinary issues and diminishing trust from Allardyce, who prioritized experienced players during Blackburn's fight against relegation. Despite occasional promising displays that endeared him to some fans for his pace and crossing ability, limited opportunities persisted into the 2009–10 season, prompting his search for regular football elsewhere. During his time at Blackburn, Treacy earned several caps for youth teams. On 1 February 2010, Treacy transferred to side Preston North End on a free transfer, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with an option for an additional year, primarily to secure more consistent playing time.

Preston North End

Keith Treacy joined Preston North End on a free transfer from Rovers on 1 February 2010, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. He quickly established himself as a regular left winger, making 58 appearances and scoring 11 goals during his 18-month stint in the . In his debut season (2009–10), Treacy featured in 17 league matches, netting twice as Preston fought to avoid relegation. The following campaign (2010–11) marked a breakthrough, with 41 appearances across all competitions and nine goals, contributing significantly to the team's attacking dynamics despite their eventual 22nd-place finish and drop to League One. Standout moments included his goal in a thrilling 6–4 victory over Leeds United on 28 September 2010, where he helped orchestrate the comeback from 4–1 down, and a stunning long-range strike against that was later voted Goal of the Season by supporters. Treacy's form earned him caps during this period, but a groin injury in September 2010 briefly sidelined him. Following Preston's relegation, he departed for side on 2 August 2011 in a transfer for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal.

Burnley and loans

Treacy signed for from Preston North End in August 2011 for an undisclosed fee, agreeing to a three-year contract as a international winger seeking to revive his career in the . During his debut 2011–12 season, he made 24 league appearances and scored twice, often providing width and creativity from the left flank under manager . To secure more regular playing time and boost his international prospects ahead of , Treacy joined League One side Sheffield Wednesday on loan in March 2012 until the end of the season. Under manager Dave Jones, he featured in seven matches, scoring once, and contributed to Wednesday's promotion push as they finished second and earned automatic promotion to the via the . The spell offered Treacy valuable minutes but highlighted ongoing challenges with consistency and fitness. Returning to Burnley for the 2012–13 campaign, Treacy struggled with form and injuries, limiting him to sporadic appearances amid increased competition in the squad following Howe's departure and Sean Dyche's arrival. His situation improved in the 2013–14 season, where he made 27 league outings—predominantly as a substitute—and netted two goals, aiding 's strong finish and promotion to the as runners-up in the . Despite this contribution, persistent injury concerns and limited starting opportunities as a fringe player led to his release in May 2014, just before 's debut, effectively closing his chapter in English top-flight contention.

Later career in England and Ireland

Following his release from in May 2014, Keith Treacy signed a two-year contract with League One side on a free transfer. He made his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Crawley Town on 9 August 2014. Over the next five months, Treacy featured in 16 appearances across all competitions, scoring once in a 2–1 loss to Chesterfield on 22 November 2014. Injuries limited his impact, and mutually terminated his contract on 14 January 2015, with the club sitting 11th in the table. After a period away from football, Treacy returned to by signing for United in the League of Ireland Premier Division on 25 August 2015, until the end of the season. The move represented a for the former international, aimed at reigniting his career in familiar surroundings under manager Johnny McDonnell. In a short stint, he made eight league appearances and scored two goals, but were relegated after finishing bottom of the table. Treacy then joined another Premier Division club, St Patrick's Athletic, on a one-year deal on 20 November 2015. He debuted in the 2016 season opener against Longford Town on 11 March, starting regularly early on under manager . However, persistent fitness issues hampered his consistency, leading to a dip in form midway through the campaign; he managed 14 league appearances and one goal overall. St Patrick's Athletic released him at the end of the 2016 season upon contract expiry.

Retirement

Keith Treacy retired from professional football in 2017 at the age of 28, following his release by St Patrick's Athletic at the end of the 2016 season. His departure was attributed to persistent injuries, including a damaged disc that required back in 2019, compounded by ongoing off-field personal challenges that had plagued his career. Over the course of his professional career, Treacy amassed more than 150 appearances and scored over 20 goals across clubs in and , including stints in the with Blackburn Rovers and sides like Preston North End and . He later reflected that these struggles, particularly the timing of his battles with and mental health issues, prevented him from fully realizing his potential as a talented winger who had earned six caps for the . In the immediate aftermath, Treacy stepped away from the sport entirely to prioritize his recovery and well-being, addressing and depression that had intensified during his playing days before transitioning toward other pursuits.

International career

Youth international career

Treacy's with the began at the under-17 level in , where he featured in the qualifiers, accumulating five appearances in total for the U17 side, including one in the 2004/05 campaign and participation in the International Tournament in that year. Progressing to the under-19 team, Treacy received his first call-up in August 2005 and made his debut in a 2–0 victory, starting the full match. Over the next two years, he earned 13 caps, including three in qualifiers and one friendly, while contributing to the team's efforts in international development matches. His performances culminated in being named the Irish under-19 player of the year in 2007, highlighting his emergence as a promising left . Although did not qualify for the 2006 , Treacy's involvement in qualifiers against teams like showcased his technical ability and potential. Treacy transitioned to the under-21 squad with his initial call-up in November 2007 under manager Don Givens, making his debut in a 1–0 defeat shortly thereafter. Between 2007 and 2010, he secured at least nine caps, including four in qualifiers, and netted one goal during his time at this level. Standout moments included captaining the side in an August 2008 friendly against , where he led an injury-affected squad to a 1–1 draw, and providing a crucial cross for an equalizer in a 2010 qualifier versus . He also featured prominently in the 1–0 defeat to on 16 November 2007, creating chances alongside teammates like Stephen Quinn. These consistent displays under Givens demonstrated his maturity and versatility on the left flank. Treacy's success across the youth teams, particularly his leadership and contributions at U21 level, drew attention from senior international selectors, paving the way for his progression to the full squad.

Senior international career

Treacy earned his first senior cap for the at age 21, substituting into a friendly against on 11 August 2010 at the , where lost 0-1. This debut followed strong performances at Preston North End in the 2009-10 season, marking his breakthrough into the senior setup under manager . Over the following year, Treacy accumulated five more caps without scoring, featuring primarily in friendlies and the . Notable appearances included a substitute role in the 2-3 friendly defeat to on 29 March 2011, his full debut starting in the 5-0 Nations Cup win over on 24 May 2011, a substitute role in the 1-0 Nations Cup win over on 29 May 2011, a substitute appearance in the 2-0 friendly victory against on 7 June 2011, coming on in the 74th minute, and his final appearance as a late substitute in the 0-0 friendly draw with on 10 August 2011. Treacy faced stiff competition on the flanks from veterans like Damien Duff, often entering matches as a replacement for the experienced winger. His international opportunities diminished after transferring to Burnley in 2011, where inconsistent form led to his omission from key Euro 2012 qualifying squads. Personal struggles with addiction further impacted his career trajectory and selection prospects.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his retirement from playing, Keith Treacy transitioned into by joining St Patrick's Athletic as a youth coach in July 2022. In this capacity, he leads the club's Under-17 team within the academy setup. Treacy's work focuses on fostering player development through structured technique and tactical sessions, tailored to the limited training time available—typically 6-7 hours per week on the pitch. He emphasizes the value of practical experiences, such as first-team exposure and physical challenges, drawing comparisons to his own formative years in more intensive English academies like Blackburn Rovers. This approach supports the established pathway from the Saints' academy to the senior squad, enabling young talents to progress effectively despite resource constraints. As of 2025, Treacy remains involved in the , contributing to ongoing youth development initiatives at the club.

Media and punditry

Following his retirement from professional football, Keith Treacy transitioned into media work in 2020, initially focusing on podcasts and interviews that highlighted his personal experiences. His debut in this space came through a candid 2021 feature where he discussed the impact of his addiction on his career, expressing a desire to support others facing similar challenges. By 2025, Treacy had established himself as a regular contributor to , providing expert analysis on Irish and international football. Treacy's key media appearances in 2025 included insightful commentary on the national team. In October, he appeared on to critique the side's evolving identity under manager , stating that the team had yet to "nail down what we are yet" after recent Nations League matches. Earlier that year, in January, he featured on Virgin Media's Sport Stories podcast, reflecting on his playing career highs and lows, from Blackburn Rovers to international duty. In November, Treacy co-selected the 2025 Team of the Season with on the Soccer Podcast. Through his punditry, Treacy has emerged as an advocate for in football, leveraging his broadcasting platform to promote proactive support for players. He has emphasized the need for the sport to address mental well-being more effectively, drawing from his own journey to inspire change. His endorsements, such as publicly backing former teammate Keith Andrews for the managerial role in June 2025—praising Andrews's "old-school mentality with modern ideas"—demonstrate his influential voice in tactical discussions.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Keith Treacy amassed 226 appearances and scored 21 goals across his professional club career in various leagues and cup competitions. The following table provides a summary of his statistics by club, including totals for league and cup matches (excluding non-competitive games such as friendlies). Assists are included where recorded.
Club (Seasons)League Apps (Goals)Cup Apps (Goals)Total Apps (Goals)Assists
Blackburn Rovers (2007–2009)12 (0)10 (0)22 (0)0
Stockport County (loan, 2006–2007)4 (0)0 (0)4 (0)0
Sheffield United (loan, 2009–2010)16 (1)1 (0)17 (1)4
Preston North End (2009–2011)55 (9)3 (2)58 (11)12
Sheffield Wednesday (loan, 2011–2012)7 (1)0 (0)7 (1)3
Burnley (2011–2014)66 (5)10 (0)76 (5)6
Barnsley (2014–2015)12 (1)4 (0)16 (1)0
Drogheda United (2015)8 (2)0 (0)8 (2)0
St Patrick's Athletic (2016)14 (1)4 (0)18 (1)1
Career totals: 194 appearances (20 goals) in league matches; 32 appearances (2 goals) in cup competitions (including , , and Europa League qualifiers); overall 226 appearances, 22 goals, and 26 assists. Minor discrepancies in totals across sources arise from varying inclusions of cup competitions, but non-competitive appearances are excluded here.

International statistics

Keith Treacy represented the at senior level on six occasions between 2010 and 2011, all in international friendly matches, and did not score any goals. His debut came as a substitute against on 11 August 2010.
YearCapsGoalsCompetitions
201010Friendlies
201150Friendlies
Total60Friendlies
Treacy's full list of appearances includes:
DateOpponentResultRoleMinutes
11 Aug 20100–1 (L)Sub13'
29 Mar 20112–3 (L)Sub25'
24 May 20115–0 (W)Start90'
29 May 20111–0 (W)Sub7'
7 Jun 20112–0 (W)Sub15'
10 Aug 20110–0 (D)Sub7'
All statistics sourced from official match records.

Personal life

Addiction and recovery

Treacy's struggles with alcohol began to intensify around 2011 during his time at Preston North End, where he was dealing with the pressures of a relegation battle and off-pitch issues at age 22 or 23. The escalated in tandem with recurring injuries, including groin and hamstring problems, which limited his playing time and international opportunities, as managers advised against call-ups. He concealed his drinking by hiding alcohol and even played matches while intoxicated for clubs like Preston and , leading to noticeable performance dips, memory lapses, and an effective end to his higher-level career at age 26 after a 2014 stint with . The addiction contributed directly to his full retirement at age 28 in 2017 following his return to with St Patrick's Athletic, where he made over 18 appearances in 2016, marking a rock bottom where he sought professional help through meetings and over four years of . Treacy has described this period as one of daily battles, stating, "I was literally trying to get through the next hour without having a drink." He achieved in November 2017 and has maintained it since, crediting for helping him shed emotional burdens equivalent to "10 kilos" per session. In a 2021 Sky Sports interview, Treacy detailed how it stemmed from a desire to "black out and forget" rather than enjoyment of alcohol. In subsequent reflections, including a 2022 interview with The42.ie and appearances on podcasts like Under the Cosh, he has shared his recovery journey to destigmatize mental health issues in football. As an advocate, Treacy promotes enhanced support systems for players, emphasizing open conversations and proactive mental health resources to prevent similar outcomes, and has expressed willingness to assist others facing addiction. As of 2025, he continues his advocacy through media discussions, including on support from former manager Sean Dyche.

Family and other activities

Treacy is married to Leanne, whom he wed in 2014, and together they have three daughters and one son, whom he describes as the core of his life post-recovery. Leanne provided crucial emotional support during his battle with , as Treacy has credited opening up to her as a pivotal step in his sobriety journey. Through marriage, Treacy gained family ties to Irish football via Leanne's uncle, , a former manager of Drogheda United and assistant coach for the national team. Beyond family, Treacy has engaged in community activities in , including a ceremonial role as Maor Uisce (water steward) for the Dublin senior team during their 2023 All-Ireland campaign, reflecting his roots in the city's sports culture. He has also pursued and awareness efforts outside formal coaching, publicly sharing his recovery experiences to support others facing , emphasizing prevention through open conversations about in sports. In October 2025, he participated in an event with his youth club .

Honours

Burnley
Football League Championship runner-up (promoted): 2013–2014 St Patrick's Athletic
League of Ireland Cup: 2016 Republic of Ireland
Nations Cup: 2011

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/keith-treacy/profil/spieler/57064
  2. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/keith-treacy/
  3. https://www.extratime.com/player/11111768/keith_treacy/
  4. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/keith-treacy/34544?epoca_id=144
  5. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/24320-keith-treacy
  6. https://www.givemesport.com/i-once-played-drunk-for-burnley-under-eddie-howe-by-26-my-career-was-over/
  7. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12359088/keith-treacy-on-the-alcohol-addiction-that-ended-his-career-at-26-and-wanting-to-help-others-avoid-his-mistakes
  8. https://www.the42.ie/keith-treacy-interview-alcohol-addiction-5787825-Jun2022/
  9. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/keith-treacy-booze-battle-career-24594907
  10. https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/1110/1543213-mcclean-option-was-smacking-us-in-the-face-treacy/
  11. https://www.transfermarkt.us/keith-treacy/profil/trainer/115186
  12. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/way-too-much-too-soon-but-i-came-out-the-other-end-treacy/37402246.html
  13. https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/from-croke-park-to-the-spanish-civil-war-taking-a-stroll-through-football-history-on-dublins-north-side/a2146354801.html
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  32. https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/im-a-lot-poorer-but-im-a-lot-happier-former-ireland-international-treacy-on-new-life-in-league-of-ireland/34503576.html
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  50. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/9269879.burnley-winger-treacy-left-key-euro-2012-qualifiers/
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  53. https://ie.linkedin.com/in/keith-treacy-12605136b
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  55. https://shows.acast.com/virgin-media-sport-stories/episodes/keith-treacy
  56. https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/1110/1543223-towell-and-treacys-2025-loi-team-of-the-season/
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  66. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/andrew-lahart/episodes/Keith-Treacy---Battling-Addiction-As-A-Professional-Footballer-21-e2iadkh
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQuYvpfjRus
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