117 days since Kerry FC last togged out in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, the new campaign kicks off for Colin Healy’s charges tomorrow evening. The south side of the capital is the venue as Kerry FC are on the road to UCD AFC in the opening round of the 2026 season.
It’s been an off-season filled with optimism and excitement for the Kerry faithful. With plenty of new faces in the door at Mounthawk Park, Kerry are set and ready to kick off the 2026 campaign. Kilian Cantwell, Vincent Borden and Jonas Häkkinen stole the headlines throughout the winter months, but new incomings such as Brandon Bermingham, Harry Halwax and Cian Murphy have added to Healy’s squad depth ahead of the new season.
Kerry are on the road for the opening game of the season for the first time since 2024, and another full free supporters bus is gearing up for the journey up the M7. With the Spring light extending out of the winter darkness, the League of Ireland season is set to hit the ground running tomorrow. Supporter predictions are in, the belief is high and the rollercoaster that is the LOI season in the Kingdom is ready to launch. Strap yourselves in!
Head to Head
Total meetings: 8
UCD AFC Wins 6 | Draws 1 | Kerry FC Wins 1
Did you know?
Kerry FC’s only victory in this fixture came in the UCD Bowl last season. Sean McGrath netted from the penalty spot for the only goal of the game, but Tim-Oliver Hiemer saved not 1 but two penalties in the game to ensure the Kingdom left Belfield with all 3 points.
Injury Update
With everyone fit and healthy after pre-season, Colin Healy has a close to full squad to choose from. Ryan Kelliher remains sidelined, but his return to play is ticking ever closer. Matt Connor was a late return to pre-season, so time will tell who will start between the sticks for the Kingdom tomorrow night. Nobody is carrying over a suspension from last season.
What they said
Colin Healy
“We’ve added more experience to the group which is what I wanted, plenty of new names with the majority household First Division names who have won the league before. Those players can help the youngsters on the training pitch and in the dressing room as well. We are looking forward to getting going now, pre-season is finished, and everyone is eagerly anticipating the season start.”
Matt Connor
“Great to be back on the pitch, been building away nicely. Was nice to get minutes against Leeds and Cork. It’s been a long couple of months, but it’s great to have the gloves and boots back on and, hopefully, I’ll be ready to rock again next week”
Kilian Cantwell
“You want to be part of something with very good players and coaching staff. The desire, the ambition and that’s exactly what is at this club at the moment, every year is a progression. For me, it’s a very exciting time”
Jonas Häkkinen
“Everyone has been brilliant, it’s a really good group here. The core group is fantastic and is hungry to win games. The facilities here, with the new pitch and gym, everything is there for us to succeed, so I’m just really looking forward to getting going”