REPORT: SSE AIRTRICITY MEN’S FIRST DIVISION ROUND 35
Finn Harps 1-1 Kerry FC
Kerry FC made the long trip to Donegal and to Finn Harps on Monday evening, where they played their second-to-last game of the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division season.
The Kingdom came into this one off the back of a 2-0 loss in their final home game of the season at the hands of Wexford FC just a few short days ago. With just two games remaining in their season, Kerry FC hoped to go out on a high note.
For the hosts in Donegal, Finn Harps had been without a win since the 29th of August, with that one coming in a 1-0 result over Treaty United in Ballybofey. Although Kerry FC needed a result, it could be argued that Harps needed it just as much, which set up what promised to be an exciting encounter in the north west on a Monday night.
First Half
The game kicked off under the cool Donegal evening sky in Ballybofey, as Colin Healy’s men looked the sharper and more composed of the two sides, quickly asserting their rhythm and tempo on proceedings. The visitors moved the ball confidently through midfield, showing real intent to take control of the match from the opening whistle.
In the twelfth minute, Kerry FC appealed for a penalty when a potential handball occurred inside the Finn Harps box. The incident caused a moment of tension among the home supporters, but referee Darragh White waved away the appeals, deciding there had been no infringement. It was an early sign that Kerry FC were looking dangerous whenever they pressed forward.
By the twenty-minute mark, Kerry FC’s dominance in possession was evident. They dictated play, moving the ball with purpose and keeping Finn Harps largely pinned in their own half. The visitors’ midfield trio worked tirelessly to maintain control, and it appeared only a matter of time before their pressure yielded a breakthrough. However, as the first half progressed, the game began to settle into a cagier rhythm.
Approaching the half-hour mark, the intensity began to shift slightly, with both sides becoming more cautious in their approach. The earlier fluency in Kerry’s play was met by increased defensive organisation from Finn Harps, who were gradually finding their footing in the match. It became a tactical battle, with neither team willing to take unnecessary risks.
In the thirty-fourth minute, Kerry FC had a promising opportunity from a free kick after Oran Crowe was fouled just outside the area. Crowe himself stepped up to take it, but his effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar, drawing a sigh from the Kerry faithful who had made the long trip north. It was another reminder of Kerry’s growing threat around the box.
Moments later, a scramble inside the Finn Harps area in the thirty-seventh minute had hearts in mouths for the home supporters. The ball bobbled dangerously around the six-yard box, but the Harps defenders reacted quickest to clear their lines, denying Kerry what would have been a deserved opener. Kerry continued to probe, maintaining composure and recycling possession intelligently, while the hosts relied on counter-attacks that rarely tested the visiting defence.
Four minutes before the break, Finn Harps carved out a decent chance when Max Hutchinson rose highest to meet a cross from the right. His header, however, lacked the power to beat Kerry goalkeeper Darragh Foley, who gathered comfortably.
Then came the turning point. In the forty-second minute, Kerry FC were awarded a penalty after Oran Crowe was brought down inside the area. A tangle of legs in the box left referee Darragh White with little hesitation as he pointed straight to the spot. It was a deserved opportunity for the visitors after sustained pressure throughout the half.
Up stepped Luke Palmer, showing composure beyond his years. Palmer sent Barbosa the wrong way, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner. The away end erupted in celebration as Kerry FC finally took the lead their performance merited. It was Palmer’s assuredness from twelve yards that separated the two sides as the first half drew to a close.
Second Half
The second half began at a blistering pace, with both sides determined to seize the initiative. Kerry FC continued where they had left off, moving the ball crisply and maintaining possession, while Finn Harps emerged with renewed energy after the break. It quickly became an open, end-to-end contest as both teams sought to make an early impact.
In the fifty-fourth minute, the visitors again found themselves in control, with their midfield trio dictating the tempo. Despite this, Finn Harps looked more dangerous in transition, hinting at their potential to exploit any lapse in Kerry’s concentration. Manager Colin Healy made his first change of the night in the fifty-eighth minute, introducing Cian Brosnan in place of Ryan Perez, a move designed to inject pace and fresh legs into Kerry’s attacking play.
Just two minutes later, Kerry came close to doubling their advantage. A deflected shot from Finn Barrett looped over the bar, forcing a corner. The resulting delivery caused chaos inside the Harps’ box, with several Kerry players trying to bundle the ball home, but the hosts eventually managed to clear the danger. It was another near-miss for Healy’s men.
Kerry continued to threaten, particularly down the left flank where Ronan Teahan was proving a handful. In the sixty-fourth minute, Teahan whipped in an excellent cross that found Sam Aladesanusi in space. The centre half met it with a strong header, but unfortunately, his effort flew over the crossbar. It was a gilt-edged chance that could have sealed the game for the visitors.
Colin Healy made another substitution in the sixty-seventh minute, replacing goal scorer Luke Palmer with Daniel Okwute. The change aimed to maintain energy up front and ensure Kerry retained their pressing intensity. However, just when Kerry appeared comfortable, the game was turned on its head.
Finn Harps found an equaliser. After what Kerry players, staff and supporters alike felt was a harshly awarded free kick, the ball was delivered to the back post, where Shaun Bradley managed to bundle it over the line following a scramble. It was a scrappy goal, but it brought the hosts level at 1–1 and reignited the contest. Kerry was left frustrated, feeling that the initial foul had been soft, yet they now faced the challenge of restoring their advantage.
The equaliser injected fresh tension into the game. The atmosphere at Finn Park grew more electric as both sets of supporters sensed there might still be a twist to come. Kerry FC continued to press forward in search of a winner, while Finn Harps looked to hit on the counter.
In the seventy-ninth minute, the tension was palpable as the game edged into its final stages. Kerry’s defence remained alert, but the midfield battle intensified. Tony McNamee went close for Finn Harps in the eighty-second minute, rising to meet a cross with a powerful header that forced Kerry goalkeeper Darragh Foley into an excellent save.
Kerry responded almost immediately. In the eighty-third minute, Daniel Okwute, who had been lively since his introduction, whipped in a teasing cross that narrowly missed the outstretched Cian Brosnan at the far post. Just two minutes later, Okwute again delivered dangerously into the box, and this time his cross nearly caught out goalkeeper Barbosa, who reacted just in time to palm the ball clear. Kerry was pushing hard for a late winner, showing tremendous spirit and determination.
As the clock ticked toward full-time, Colin Healy made his final change in the eighty-seventh minute, sending on Luke Doolan to replace Finn Barrett, a move designed to bring fresh energy for the closing moments.
When the fourth official indicated six minutes of additional time, both teams threw everything forward. Kerry sought to restore their lead with direct, purposeful play, while Finn Harps dug deep to hold their ground. Despite Kerry’s best efforts, with Okwute again instrumental in several attacking moves, they were unable to find the decisive goal.
When the final whistle blew, the game ended Finn Harps 1–1 Kerry FC. It was a hard-fought contest that saw Kerry FC dominate large spells but ultimately share the spoils after a moment of misfortune.
Kerry FC now look ahead to their season finale on Friday night when they take on Bray Wanderers in the Carlisle Grounds to bid farewell the 2025 season.
Finn Harps Team: 25. Lorenzo Piaia Barbosa, 5. Oran Brogan, 6. Joel Bradley-Walsh, 8. Max Hutchison, 9. Hans Kamta Mpongo, 10. Tony McNamee (C), 20. Michael Place, 21. Idir Yacine Zerrouk, 24. Adam McDaid, 28. Aaron McLaughlin, 43. Ibrahima-Pokou Bangoura.
Subs: Ryan McConnell, Darragh Coyle, Conor McGranaghan, Max Johnston, Gavin Gilmore, Shaunie Bradley (GOAL ‘71), Kieran Cooney, Gradi Lomboto, Daniel Cunningham.
Kerry FC Team: 40 Darragh Foley, 3. Sean O’Connell, 4. Oran Crowe, 6. Carl Mujaguzi, 8. Ronan Teahan (C), 18. Samuel Aladesanusi, 21. Luke Palmer (PEN GOAL ‘43), 23. Finn Barrett, 28. Niall Brookwell, 29. Ewan Lee, 36 Ryan Perez.
Subs: Christopher McQueen, Sean McGrath, Daniel Okwute, Robert Cleary, Kevin Williams, Cian Brosnan, Daniel O Connor, Arran Healy, Luke Doolan.