🗞️ Match Preview – Kerry FC vs Dundalk FC

Sean McGuinness
2 days ago
3 min read

Video By Chris Clarke

📅 Date: Friday, July 4th

⏰ Kick-off: 19:45

📍 Venue: Mounthawk Park

Dundalk FC travel to Tralee on Friday night to face Kerry FC, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity First Division.

Ciarán Kilduff’s side come into the clash in high spirits after a memorable 1-0 win over title rivals Cobh Ramblers at Oriel Park last weekend, with Gbemi Arubi scoring a bicycle-kick stunner that will live long in the memory. That result opened a four-point gap at the summit and reaffirmed Dundalk’s promotion credentials.

🟢 Kerry Struggling for Form

While Dundalk are flying, Kerry FC are enduring a difficult spell. Colin Healy’s men have suffered back-to-back defeats, a 2-1 loss to Cobh and a crushing 4-3 collapse against Wexford, where they surrendered a 3-1 half-time lead.

They sit eighth in the table with 26 points and will be looking for a response, especially having already lost twice to the Lilywhites this season.

🔁 Previous Meetings

The sides last met at Oriel Park in May, where Dundalk ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Tralee native Leo Gaxha and a composed finish from Daryl Horgan.

Earlier in the season at Mounthawk Park, Dean Ebbe’s 25th-minute goal proved decisive in a 1-0 victory, as Dundalk held firm despite playing with 10 men for over an hour following Gaxha’s red card.

🧠 Kilduff’s Thoughts 💭

Speaking ahead of Friday’s game, Dundalk head coach Ciarán Kilduff reflected on last week’s electric win over Cobh and what it means going forward:

“That felt like the real Oriel Park of old. From start to finish, there was tension, expectation, a big-game feel. The crowd were unbelievable, the players fed off it, and the performance matched the moment.”

He emphasised that while it was a special night, the job is far from done:

“There’s still 15 games to go, nothing achieved yet , but we’ve set the standard now. We need that same energy and togetherness every week.”

Looking ahead to Kerry, Kilduff expects a stern test:

“They’ve attacking threats, they’re physical, and with a new manager in Colin Healy, they’ll be well set up. But we’re focusing more on ourselves now. The unbeaten run is gone, the shackles are off and I think that makes us more dangerous.”

On the squad front, he’s optimistic:

“Norman and Ethan are nearly back to full training, great to have them close. Gaxha’s ACL injury is a blow, and O’Keeffe’s still recovering from concussion complications, but the group is strong. There’s belief, hunger, and a real sense of momentum right now.”

🩺 Team News

There’s a boost for Dundalk on the injury front, with Ethan Vaughan and Norman Garbett both nearing full fitness and expected to take part in full training this week, putting them in contention for the trip to Kerry. However, the squad has been dealt a blow with confirmation that Leo Gaxha has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Conor O’Keeffe also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from concussion-related complications. New signings Declan McDaid and JR Wilson will be available for selection.