Match Report: Kerry FC 0–4 Dundalk FC

Sean McGuinness
Jul 6
2 min read

📍Mounthawk Park

Friday, July 4th, 2025

Ruthless Dundalk Put Four Past Kerry to Stay Clear at the Summit

Dundalk FC showed exactly why they’re top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division as they eased to a 4–0 win away to Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park.

First-half goals from Harry Groome and Eoin Kenny put the Lilywhites in control, and two late finishes from Keith Ward and Andy Paraschiv ensured Ciarán Kilduff’s men maintained a four points lead over second-placed Cobh Ramblers.

First Half: Groome Breaks the Deadlock

Despite a rain-soaked evening in Tralee, Dundalk got off to a lively start. Just three minutes in, Gbemi Arubi teed up Daryl Horgan, whose curling effort flew narrowly wide.

Kerry had their moments early on, with Sean McGrath testing Enda Minogue after a decent move, but the warning signs were there.

The breakthrough came on 19 minutes. Alex Dunne’s wayward pass out from the back was pounced on by Harry Groome, who took one touch and curled a beautiful strike into the bottom corner from outside the box. A calm, clinical finish that silenced the home crowd.

Dundalk almost doubled their lead before the half-hour mark. Eoin Kenny’s driven ball across the six-yard box somehow missed everyone in white, before another Kenny delivery was met by Dean Ebbe, whose flick was hacked off the line by Niall Brookwell.

At the other end, Kennedy Amechi nearly produced a moment of magic with a bicycle kick five minutes before the break, but Minogue was equal to it. Still, Dundalk went in deservedly ahead at the interval.

Second Half: Dundalk Shift Gears, Seal the Deal

Kerry introduced new signing Aaran Healy at the break, but the Dundalk engine was already running smoothly. Just before the hour, the visitors made it 2–0. Ebbe found Kenny on the right, and the winger rifled a low shot past Tim-Oliver Hiemer at the near post.

Kerry had their chances, Chris McQueen rose highest from a corner but couldn’t keep his header down, yet the home side looked second best for much of the half.

Dundalk remained composed, controlled, and patient. And when the final whistle approached, they turned the screw.

In stoppage time, Keith Ward struck a venomous free-kick into the bottom corner to make it 3–0. Moments later, Dean Ebbe slipped in Paraschiv, who coolly slotted home to wrap up a commanding win.

A night that reinforced Dundalk’s title credentials and our growing momentum.

Dundalk FC:

Minogue; Wilson (Mulligan 81), Animasahun, Leonard, Keogh (McHale 69); Dervin, Groome (Paraschiv 69, ⚽ 90+4), Kenny (⚽ 59), Ebbe, Horgan (McDaid 61), Arubi (Ward 69, ⚽ 90+3)

Subs not used: Cherrie, Spaight, Tracey

Goals: Groome (19), Kenny (59), Ward (90+3), Paraschiv (90+4)

Kerry FC:

Hiemer; Dunne (Barrett 76), Williams, Brookwell, McQueen, O’Connell; McGrath, Mujaguzi (Healy HT), Crowe, Palmer, Amechi

Subs not used: Randriamamy, Teahan, Adams, Aladesanusi, Brosnan

Referee: L Keating (Cork)

🎥 Match Highlights

Next Up

After a commanding performance in Tralee, Dundalk are on the road again to the Carlisle grounds to take on third placed Bray Wanderers. With confidence high and the table-topping form intact, Kilduff’s side will be aiming to make it three wins on the bounce.