The ticking clock is ready to strike! The long-awaited return of League of Ireland football to a new-look Mounthawk Park is almost upon us. It’s been a long break since the mid-October finale. And as the winter dug in its teeth to bid farewell to the 2025 season, the warmth of spring is slowly starting to trickle in on the north side of Tralee town.
There is no doubting the league opener in UCD last week was disappointing. High expectations quickly turned to more questions. But with a squad full of new faces, and with the majority of Colin Healy’s 11 making their first league start for the Kingdom, the time for gelling must be considered for a new look Kerry FC side. No longer the new boys, now considered the challengers.
Those heading back to the V92 venue or those tuned in on LOITV will notice a couple of changes to the famous ‘aul ground tomorrow night. A brand new artificial surface ready just in time for the season opener should lend to a better viewing experience for the spectator, and a better playing surface for the 22 lucky people who can always say ‘we were the first’. And potentially a trip to the local optician could be in order before attending. Brand new 500 Lux LED Floodlights have been installed in the last 14 days, the winter nights just got that bit brighter in Tralee.
The fans are hungry, the players have a point to prove and with the way these two sides have conducted their business during the off-season, this should no longer be the race to avoid the wooden spoon that we saw in 2025.
Head to Head
Total meetings – 13
Kerry FC Wins 5 | Draws 4 | Athlone Town Wins 4
Did you know?
Kerry FC’s first-ever win in the League of Ireland was against Athlone away in Lissywollen all the way back in 2023. Kerry FC’s biggest win came in this fixture last season, winning 4-0 in Mounthawk Park just a couple of weeks after Kerry needed extra-time to knock the Midlanders out of the FAI Cup on that famous run last year.
Injury Update
Ryan Kelliher remains a couple of weeks out from his return to action, as it ticks into 10 months without our runaway top scorer. Kieran Cooney picked up a knock last week and is being assessed for a return while Arran Healy also sat out the season opener, his return is getting closer.
What they said
Colin Healy (on players taking time to gel)
“It takes time, absolutely, but we have experienced players now. We’ve had a good pre-season and played a lot of games. Over time, you’ll see relationships developing between the players, which does take time. That will make them stronger on the pitch, but that is no excuse for the performance on Friday night, and all focus now shifts to this Friday night for a massive game against Athlone Town”
Sean McGrath (on the return to Mounthawk)
“I’m sure we will see all the same faces again tonight in Tralee. It’s always a special feeling togging out for a new season in the Kingdom, and nothing beats the home comforts in Mounthawk Park. We may have several new faces, but the end goal remains the same. We take pride in the jersey, and the community it represents, and we are all in this together.”