7 goal thriller in Mounthawk Park but the Kingdom exit the Munster Senior Cup

Munster Senior Cup Last 16

Kerry FC 3-4 Cobh Ramblers – After Extra Time

Kerry FC were back in competitive action for the first time in 2025 as they took on Cobh Ramblers in the last sixteen of the Munster Senior Cup. This was the same fixture that kicked off the 2024 campaign as Kerry FC ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a debut goal from Victor Udeze.

It was the first home game of 2025 and Mounthawk Park faithful were ready to start all over again and get their first glimpse of new first-team players such as Connal Doran, Alex Dunne, Chris McQueen, Niall Brookwell and new academy graduate Luke Palmer. Luke had an impressive 2024 at academy level scoring thirty-one goals between the Under 17 and Under 20 teams earning himself his first Senior Contract which he signed on New Year’s Eve.

First Team Manager Conor McCarthy said pre-match that he was looking forward to facing a strong Cobh Ramblers side in the first competitive game of the season and there was no better place to start than on a Friday evening in Mounthawk Park.

First Half

Kerry FC started the better team in the first half, and the fast start paid off in the form of a Sean McGrath goal in the fourteenth minute. Daniel Okwute’s great work helped McGrath get his chance, which he took in superb style, finishing the opportunity in the bottom left corner.

Kerry FC would double their lead heading into the second half with another goal from their number seven and captain on the night Sean McGrath. A superb first-half display from Kerry FC gave them the driving seat going into the second forty-five.

Three changes were made at half time with Ryan Kelliher, Alex Dunne and Sean McGrath making way for CIAN Brosnan, Finn Barrett and Ronan Teahan as minutes were always likely to be shared during pre-season.

Second Half

Cobh Ramblers came out strong in the second half and pulled one back on the hour mark through Shane Griffin before equalising fifteen minutes later through a penalty from captain Jason Abbott.

Cobh Ramblers took the lead with six minutes to play through an unfortunate own goal from Chris McQueen. Just four minutes later Kerry found themselves level through a fantastic header from Oran Crowe which was delivered superbly from Cian Brosnan. A six-goal thriller was not yet over as Extra Time was needed to separate the two sides.

It looked as though penalties would decide the game but a last-minute winner from John O’Donovan was enough to put Cobh’s name into the hat for the last eight of the Munster Senior Cup.

A great run out for both teams and a fantastic performance from both sets of players. A truly fantastic spectacle for viewers in Mounthawk Park as was Kerry FC got their second game of preseason under their belts.