Matchday 3 pits the Kingdom against a new opponent in Dundalk FC in what is a mouth-watering encounter on Friday night in Tralee. Dundalk, having been relegated from the Premier Division in 2024, make their first trip to the Kingdom tomorrow night in what is sure to be a fantastic occasion in front of a sold-out Mounthawk Park.
To add to the occasion, given Kerry’s impressive start to the 2025 campaign, this one marks a top-of-the-table clash in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division. A home win against Finn Harps and an impressive stalemate in Cobh last weekend have Kerry sitting high in 2nd place on the table, a record height for the Kingdom in just the clubs third season at this level.
Dundalk, meanwhile, have made the perfect start. A 1-0 home win against Athlone Town was backed up by another 0-1 victory on the road in Donegal at Finn Harps. They sit first on 6 points and put their 100% start to the season on the line in Tralee tomorrow night. Former Kerry FC forward Leo Gaxha leads the line for the visitors and the Kingdom will be looking to keep the Tralee man quiet on his return to Kerry.
So it has all the foundations for an intriguing clash on Friday night. With tickets at a premium all week, those lucky enough to be present in Mounthawk are sure to get their money’s worth as Kerry aim to topple the favourites and move to the top of the league table.
Matchday 3
Kerry FC v Dundalk FC – Friday, February 28th– 19:45 Kick Off – Mounthawk Park
Previous Meetings
Kerry FC Wins N/A Draws N/A Dundalk FC Wins N/A
Did You Know?
This is the first-ever meeting of Kerry FC and Dundalk in any form. Kerry have played Louth opposition before, welcoming Dundalk’s neighbours Drogheda United to Mounthawk Park in the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup. Former Kerry FC forward Leo Gaxha is the only man in both squads to previously wear both the green of Kerry and the white of Dundalk.
Injury Update
The Kingdom will be without a few for this one. After Ryan Kelliher limped off in the opening minutes against Cobh Ramblers last Friday night, he will sit this one out. Abel Alabi also remains unavailable while Samuel Aladesanusi continues his return to fitness. Daniel Okwute picked up a knock against Cobh and is marked as doubtful for tomorrow night’s game.
What they said?
Conor McCarthy – “Dundalk are really strong ya. They have brilliant coaches as well and are keen on having success with this group. They are the favourites to go up, they’ve recruited well, and I’m sure their target is to get promoted again straight away. We are lucky that we have big crowds here on a number of occasions and the players really feed off it. So to have another packed house in Mounthawk on Friday night is massive for us.”
