Our History

Participation from County Kerry began when a team representing the Kerry District League played in the Eircom under 21 League in 2002 and 2003. However, this arrangement was terminated as the football authorities decided on a format change to their league structure.

The KDL resumed participation with the League of Ireland at underage level joining the Southern Elite Division of the Under 17 Underage League of Ireland in 2016 and subsequently then the Under-19 League in 2019.

It was announced on 22 June 2022 that an application had been made by Kerry Football Club, an entity comprising of the KDL and a consortium led by Brian Ainscough , Billy Dennehy and Steven Conway, for a licence to compete in the League of Ireland for the 2023 season. The application was deemed successful on 16 November 2022, when Kerry Football Club were awarded a licence to play in the First Division.

The club has gone strength to strength ever since.

In 2024, the senior team reached their first final, losing out narrowly to Waterford FC in the Munster Senior Cup Final in Turners Cross.

In 2025, the club reached the semi-final of the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup in a campaign which saw the club beat Premier Division opposition for the first time. 0-3 down at home to Sligo Rovers, the Kingdom had a huge turnaround, winning 4-3 after extra time.

Also in 2025, our MU20’s were crowned EA Sports LOI Academy Shield winners after an incredible 2-1 win AET over Shamrock Rovers to secure Kerry FC’s first piece of LOI Silverware. Our MU15s and MU14s also won silverware at the London Pro Elite Cup in August.