REPORT: GRANDONS TOYOTA MUNSTER SENIOR CUP LAST 16
Kerry FC 2-0 Cobh Wanderers
Kerry FC began their competitive action of 2026 in positive fashion as they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Grandons Toyota Munster Senior Cup with a deserved 2–0 victory over Cobh Wanderers at Mounthawk Park. On a cold, dry evening in Tralee, Kerry delivered a disciplined and energetic performance, combining defensive solidity with moments of attacking quality to see off their visitors. While the opening half remained scoreless, the hosts stepped up their intensity after the break, with Sean McGrath and Sean O’Connell producing two outstanding strikes to seal the win.
First Half
Kerry FC started brightly in front of their home support, looking sharp despite it being their first competitive outing of the year. Daniel Okwute was an early threat down the right wing, and in the twelfth minute, his rasping ball across the face of the goal almost found Cian Murphy, only for Cobh goalkeeper Darragh Burke to react sharply and gather in mid-air.
Two minutes later, Kilian Cantwell tested Burke from distance with a well-struck effort, but the goalkeeper saved comfortably. Kerry continued to press, and Okwute again caused problems in the twentieth minute with a powerful run and shot that was once more denied by Burke.
The game became more physical as the half wore on, with Arran Healy receiving a yellow card in thirty third minute. Okwute nearly broke the deadlock five minutes before the interval, showing great footwork to create space for a curling effort towards the far corner, but his shot drifted just wide. Further bookings followed late in the half for Eoin Hastings, Cian Murphy, and Diarmuid Kearney as both sides battled for control. Despite Kerry’s dominance in possession and chances, the teams went in level at 0–0 after two minutes of added time.
Second Half
The second half began at a slower tempo, with both sides cautious and chances initially at a premium. Kerry gradually regained control, and on the hour mark, Sean O’Connell delivered a dangerous corner that caused panic in the Cobh box, with the ball nearly forced over the line before Burke managed to keep it out.
Just one minute later, the breakthrough arrived. A free kick delivered into the area by Sean O’Connell was cleared as far as Sean McGrath on the edge of the area, and he struck a superb volley past the helpless Burke to give Kerry a deserved 1–0 lead. The goal lifted the hosts, who continued to attack with confidence. Okwute once again turned provider in the 67th minute, delivering an excellent cross that Luke Doolan met, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.
