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Match Preview: Dundalk FC vs Kerry FC
- Sean McGuinness
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Oriel Park Awaits First-Ever Visit from the Kingdom
Date: Friday, May 23rd
Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Oriel Park
League leaders Dundalk FC return to Oriel Park this Friday night to welcome Kerry FC for the first time ever in competitive action at Oriel Park and it promises to be a historic night under the lights in County Louth.
The Lilywhites hold a four-point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division, but recent form has seen that gap tighten, with four draws in the last six matches allowing the chasing pack to gain ground.
A composed 2–1 win over Cobh Ramblers last time out, however, reaffirmed Dundalk’s credentials and brought a timely boost heading into the final home fixture before the mid-season break.
Kerry’s First Trip to Oriel Park
Friday marks Kerry FC’s first-ever visit to County Louth, and their first clash against Dundalk at Oriel. The sides met for the first time earlier this season in Mounthawk Park, where a Dean Ebbe goal secured a narrow 1–0 win for the Lilywhites on Matchday 3.
The Kingdom arrive in good spirits, however, and on their longest unbeaten run of the season, having taken seven points from their last three games. A 1–0 away win at UCD was followed by a home victory over Treaty United and a draw with Wexford, giving new manager Colin Healy a positive start at the helm.
Kerry fans will be making the long journey north from Mounthawk Park, with a near-full supporters’ bus set to clock up almost 10 hours on the road.
Dundalk Look to Stay Unbeaten
Unbeaten at home this season and still undefeated overall, Dundalk will be eager to finish strong before the break. Daryl Horgan continued his rich vein of form in Cobh, notching a goal and an assist, while Gbemi Arubi and Dean Ebbe continue to pose a major aerial and physical threat in the final third.
The Lilywhites know they’ll need to be at their best against a well-drilled Kerry side buoyed by recent results and a sense of occasion. Defensive organization and patience will be key as they look to control the tempo and maintain momentum at the top of the table.
🎙 From the Dugout – Kilduff Reflects
“We were delighted with the performance down in Cobh — it was a tough game and the support meant a lot to the lads,” said manager Ciarán Kilduff. “Kerry are a team in good form. They’ve got a new manager and a bit of belief. We’ll need to match that energy and make Oriel a fortress again.”
Get down and show your support!