REPORT: GRANDONS TOYOTA MUNSTER SENIOR CUP
Semi-Final: Cork City 2-1 Kerry FC
Kerry FC were back on the road on Tuesday night following Friday’s draw at home to UCD AFC as they reignited their Munster Senior Cup campaign against Cork City in Mayfield.
It was the second time Kerry FC had gotten to the semi-final stage in the competition, with the first coming in 2024, where they would end up reaching the final only to lose 2-1 against Waterford FC in Turners Cross.
The game came just eight days after the two sides met in league action, and Kerry would have wanted to get their own back on City, who scored three late goals to turn over the deficit and win 4-2 in the Munster FA HQ.
Kerry FC got to this stage by beating Cobh Wanderers and Leeds AFC, scoring six goals and conceding none over the two games. For Cork, they beat Midleton FC and Ringmahon Rangers to earn their semi-final spot. Rockmount AFC were waiting in the wings to see who their final opponent would be as they defeated Waterford FC on penalties to advance to the final back in February.
FIRST HALF
With heavy showers sweeping across the ground and the travelling support braving the weather, there was serious belief that Kerry could find themselves in their second Munster Senior Cup final in three years.
That belief looked well-founded in the opening stages as Kerry made the brighter start. They pressed aggressively, won second balls, and carried a threat going forward. Eric Koufie was first to test the City defence with an effort that cleared the crossbar, before Matt Britton twice came close, forcing goalkeeper Mather-Nash into two impressive saves. Kerry controlled the tempo early on and looked capable of taking the lead, but the breakthrough never arrived. Cork gradually found their footing and began to grow into the contest.
AJ Bridge had a sight of goal but fired over, signalling a shift in momentum. The key moment of the half followed soon after when Kiernan was brought down inside the penalty area. Bridge stepped up from the spot, but Kerry goalkeeper Harvey Mangan produced a superb save, pushing the effort onto the crossbar. The ball, however, dropped kindly for Tom McGrath, who reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and hand Cork City the advantage.
Kerry tried to regroup before the interval, but the hosts finished the half stronger, leaving the visitors frustrated to be behind after such a promising opening spell.
SECOND HALF
Kerry FC manager Colin Healy made a change at the break, with Ryan Perez introduced as they looked to regain control, but their task became more difficult ten minutes into the second half. Cork City worked the ball into the path of Brody Lee, who steadied himself before sending a low strike into the far corner to double the lead.
With the rain continuing to fall heavily, the game threatened to drift away from Kerry. Despite the setback, they continued to push forward and showed greater urgency as the half wore on. Cork’s young side remained organised at the back, soaking up pressure and limiting Kerry to half-chances as time began to run down.
Kerry’s persistence finally paid off in the closing moments of normal time. Arran Healy delivered an excellent out swinging free kick towards the back post, where Samuel Aladesanusi rose above the defence to power a header beyond the goalkeeper and cut the deficit. The late goal sparked renewed energy, with Kerry committing bodies forward in search of an equaliser.
Five minutes of stoppage time offered hope, but Cork City managed the closing stages well, slowing the game and keeping Kerry at arm’s length.
Kerry had a genuine shout for a penalty for handball, which echoed throughout the dugout and the travelling support, but play was waved on. Despite their late push, Kerry were unable to create one final clear opportunity, and the hosts held on to secure their place in the Munster Senior Cup final against Rockmount. Kerry FC now turn their attention to another Munster derby as they take on Treaty United in Mounthawk Park this coming Friday night.
Cork City Team: AJ Mather-Nash; Harry Nevin, Matthew Kiernan, Ike Manjor-Georgewill, AJ Bridge, Matthew Murray, Brody Lee (GOAL ‘55), Niall O’Keefe, Luke Downey, Donal O’Connor, Tom McGrath (GOAL ‘28).
Subs Used: Finn Dalton, Dara McCormack, S. Richmond, C. Daly, D. Ogbene.
Kerry FC Team: Harvey Mangan; Ewan Lee, Samuel Aladesanusi, Niall Brookwell, Jonas Häkkinen, Sean O’Connell; Vince Borden, Arran Healy; Matthew Britton, Eric Koufie (GOAL ‘89), Cian Brosnan.
Subs Used: Kilian Cantwell, Sean McGrath, Rob Keane.