THAT didn’t take long.

It seems that last Friday night’s game under lights in Mounthawk Park whetted the appetite for more Kerry FC action among the fans attending, as the next home game is already a sellout.

Kerry FC announced tickets for the game — on Friday, March 3 against Treaty United — were for sale earlier today, but they were snapped up almost immediately.

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It’s uncertain whether more will become available for sale next week closer to the game (as they did for the game last Friday), but for the moment many are left disappointed and won’t be in the ground which has a capacity of 1,200.

The game will be streamed live on www.loitv.ie and some Tralee pubs including The Huddle Bar, The Castle Bar, Turner’s Bar and more will also have it on their big screens, just like tomorrow night’s game against Bray Wanderers.

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KERRY FC are travel to Wicklow this Friday for Matchday 2 of the SSE Airtricity First Division when Bray Wanderers provide the opposition.

The match, which kicks off at 7.45pm, will be streamed live on www.loitv.ie (€5) with live updates on Radio Kerry during the evening. The match also will be shown live in a number of pubs in town.

Speaking earlier this week, First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy said he is looking for his side to improve after the home defeat to Cobh Ramblers last Friday.

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“Ya, look it is a brand new week for me. Win, lose or draw that’s how I deal with it. We train twice in the lead-up to the Bray game and everyone is in contention to play again. That’s the way I was as a player, there are no guarantees that everyone is going to play every game, you have to earn your way onto the pitch and that’s reflected in every training session. It’s the same in the game, you have to earn your minutes on the pitch and perform to a level to ensure you stay on the pitch and earn the jersey the following week.”

“I have to say they are a great group with a fantastic spirit, how they train and work for each other. They often train together outside of our training times.

Considering most of the lads played together for the first time Friday night, there were a lot of positive signs there and in training this week they have pushed each other to improve and put in another good performance against Bray on Friday.”

Defender Kevin Williams said they need to be better on Friday night.

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“Throughout pre-season the staff have pushed us on to know what to expect so the training sessions were hard, as you’d expect in pre-season, nothing was taken for granted,” he said.

“When it came to the Ramblers game, I think anticipation took us more than the game itself. The game wasn’t a different world to us, well for a lot of players anyway. Certain things, maybe a lapse in concentration, meant things didn’t go our way.

At the end of the day, we just need to be better. Of course, we did well for the first game of the season but there are so many games left, starting on Friday in Bray,” said Williams.

On the injury front, Kerry FC remain without the services of Mark Carey whose injury has now been updated to long-term. In some good news on the injury front, forward Stephen McCarthy is now available for selection having missed the season opener against Cobh Ramblers.

Cianan Cooney and Junior Ankomah remain doubtful having been ruled out for the game against Cobh Ramblers last Friday evening.

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David Moriarty reports on a historic night at Mounthawk Park as Kerry FC kicked off their League of Ireland campaign…

KERRY FC  0-2 COBH RAMBLERS

On the 17th of February, Kerry FC welcomed Cobh Ramblers under the lights at Mounthawk Park for their first-ever League of Ireland fixture.

The manager Billy Dennehy mentioned in his club notes that he and all his team were looking forward to hearing the Kerry roar and the Tralee faithful certainly lived up to his hopes.

The first ten minutes were cagey with Kerry goalkeeper Wayne Guthrie being called into action a couple of times and matching Cobh’s efforts on goal.

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The first real effort on goal from either team came in the eleventh minute through a free kick from Cobh on the left-hand side of the box. A low-driven shot from Jack Doherty went through everyone and went just wide of the post.

Kerry started earning a share of the possession as the first stages of the half went on, and it culminated in a fantastic piece of play in the twenty-fourth minute.

Trpimir Vrljicak, Kerry’s big Croatian showed his strength and pace with a great run down the right wing but was unfortunately knocked out of play.

As the half was drawing to a close, Jack Doherty went on a very fast-paced run and earned a close-range freekick which was saved well by Guthrie.

It was evident that Cobh were getting closer, and their efforts were eventually rewarded. In the forty-second minute, a lovely bit of skill and a nice cross from Jack Doherty was met on the volley by Tiernan O’Brien to put Cobh one ahead.

Kerry had a great chance of their own only a few minutes after Cobh’s goal, Vrljicak went on a wonderful run beating two players and just unluckily hitting it wide of the near post.

Half time — Kerry FC 0-1 Cobh Ramblers

At half -time Kerry made two changes, both Leo Gaxha and Ryan Kelliher entered the frame, and the half-time substitutes did well from the off.

Gaxha made an immediate impact and won a corner with a fantastic run, cutting in from the left, beating two, and ripping a hard, low-driven shot. However, Lee Steacy was level to his efforts and made a great save to keep Kerry out.

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Gaxha was causing mayhem again and had an effort blocked after a wonderfully delivered Graham O’Reilly corner met the former Sheffield United player.

It was clear that the changes at half-time gave Kerry momentum at the start of the second half. Chances came thick and fast as Shane Guthrie saw his header just go over the bar from another corner.

The biggest chance in the second half for Kerry came from Gaxha again who made a great run through the centre and dinked the ball over Steacy’s head only for it to be heroically cleared off the line.

Though the home faithful were making it known to the referee Declan Toland that they felt it had gone over the line, the play was waved on.

With about twenty minutes to go, there was a handball shout for Kerry, but once again Declan Toland waved play on. If VAR was in operation, Kerry would have had a serious shout for the penalty to be awarded.

Not too long after, Kerry were opened up and Wayne Guthrie came flying out of his box, the ball struck his hand and was given a yellow card.

The free kick was placed right on the edge of the box and Jack Doherty rifled it into the bottom corner, putting Kerry two behind.

Kerry kept plugging away at the opposition showing great fight. In the seventy-ninth minute, a superb left-footed effort from Sean O’ Connell was directed over the bar by Steacy, resulting in another corner for Kerry. Even with Kerry’s constant pressure to the last minute, Cobh ran away 2-0 winners.

A great contest was had even with heavy wind conditions that each team would have preferred not to play in. Graham O’Reilly deserves a mention for his fantastic performance, earning him the Man of the Match award.

A fantastic night in the history of Kerry soccer may have been hindered by the result, but it is only the start of a brilliant journey for the Kingdom.

KERRY FC TEAM:

WAYNE GUTHRIE 1

SEAN O CONNELL 3

SHANE GUTHRIE 4

KALEN SPILLANE 5

SEAN MCGRATH 7

MATT KEANE (C) 8

SEAN KENNEDY 11

KEVIN WILLIAMS 15

TRPIMIR VRUJICAK 20

RONAN TEAHAN 23

GRAHAM O REILLY 27

Subs: CALLAN SCULLY, ALEX AINSCOUGH, RYAN KELLIHER, LEO GAXHA, ANDY QUAID, NATHAN GLEESON, SAMUEL ALADESANUSI, JONATHAN HANNAFIN, KENNEDY AMECHI.

COBH RAMBLERS TEAM:

1. LEE STEACY

2. MICHAEL MCCARTHY

3.CIAN BROWNE

5. BRENDEÁN FRAHILL

39. JASON ABBOTT (C)

29. TIERNAN O’BRIEN (Goal ‘42)

14. JACK DOHERTY (Goal ‘72)

16. LUKE DESMOND

17. WILSON WAWERU

28. DALE HOLLAND

Subs: 30. DARRAGH BURKE, 4. JUSTIN EGUAIBOR, 8. PIERCE PHILLIPS, 18. CALLUM STRINGER, 9. JAKE HEGARTY, 14. DAVID BOSNJAK, 12. DARRAGH O’CONNELL, 24. ISSA KARGBO, 33. ADRIEN THIBAUT, 6. CHARLIE LYONS

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IT wasn’t the best of starts, but the first night of League Of Ireland football at Mounthawk Park was an occasion to remember for Kerry FC fans.

Cobh Ramblers left with the points after a 0-2 victory, but Kerry FC can be proud of their performance. They showed enough fight to persuade fans they’re going to be competitive over the forthcoming campaign and they’re worth getting behind.

Hopefully they’ll have full houses for the home games to come, just as they did last night. The fans arrived early for the game with the food vendors and the pop-up club shop seeing a steady stream of customers throughout the evening and plenty of green, white and gold scarves and hats visible in the crowd.

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All at Kerry FC have to be commended for their professional approach ensuring everything went according to plan with plenty stewards on duty.

The strong wind spoilt the game somewhat, with the visitors coping better and going ahead just before half-time. When they doubled their advantage on 71 minutes the game was up.

The match needed a goal from the home side to truly give the fans something to shout about, but it never materialised and now it’s on to Bray next Friday for the first away outing.

If you can’t make that trip, the next home game is on Friday, March 3 against Treaty United so don’t forget to get your tickets early. Scroll down for photos…

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A SOLD-OUT Mounthawk Park will see Kerry FC play in their first-ever senior League of Ireland game this Friday night in the SSE Airtricity First Division.

A historic night is in store when they kickoff at 7.45pm against Cobh Ramblers and while tickets are sold out, there are other ways to catch up with how they are progressing.

The match will be broadcast live on Radio Kerry and if you want to watch it on TV or your chosen device then you’ll have to visit www.loitv.ie

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There you can get a Season Pass which offers  over 400+ matches throughout the season for only €120 or you can  purchase individual match passes for €5 per game in the Men’s First Division.

Some pubs in town will also be showing the game on big screens so check their social media for more.

In injury news,  Kerry FC will be without the services of Mark Carey for the opening fixture against Cobh Ramblers. Late fitness assessments will be carried out on Stephen McCarthy, Junior Ankomah and Cianan Cooney who remain doubtful.

First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy is looking forward to the challenge ahead in the league.

“We are expecting a tough game, every game you play at this level will be tough but nothing that won’t be too expected in terms of the league.

“A lot of players recycle through the clubs so there isn’t too much unknown in regard to individual players in the Cobh Ramblers group. But for us, I’ve always been a manager who always focuses on ourselves first, if you get your own systems and structures right, everyone will be clear on how we play and operate then. It’s obviously up to the opposition to worry about that too.”

“We will be concentrating a lot on ourselves this week in terms of the approach that we have. Of course, we will pick out some key information that we will discuss with the players, other than that, we will concentrate on ourselves.”

Captain Matt Keane hopes the crowd can give the lads a lift on the night.

“Look, Friday night is going to be massive. This Friday is going to be the first time a lot of the lads will have played in this sort of environment and in front of a big crowd,” he said.

“From what I’ve been hearing from a lot of people it seems like it will be near impossible to get tickets. So ya, the crowd is massive to us, especially throughout the season. We are under no illusions that there are going to be good days and bad days.

“But when you have the backing of the supporters it makes it a lot easier. If we can get those in Mounthawk up for the game on Friday, we will be able to feed off the crowd which makes all the difference.

“So building that relationship between the team to the supporters will be very important. Seeing the excitement alone from the open day last Sunday and seeing the excitement from the kids has given us all a boost,” he said.

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MIDFIELDER Matt Keane is to Captain the Kerry FC senior side in this year’s SSE Airtricity First Division campaign and becomes the historic first captain of Kerry Football Club.

Matt was announced as the club’s first-ever signing back in November and now will lead his native Kerry side out for the 36-game season which gets underway on Friday night with a home tie against Cobh Ramblers in Mounthawk Park.

Goalkeeper Wayne Guthrie has been named as the vice-captain of the side for the upcoming season. The former Austin Stacks shot-stopper has been awarded the role by First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy at a recent team meeting with the full backing of the squad.

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Speaking after being named Kerry FC Captain, Matt Keane said; “It is a very proud moment for me to be named captain for Kerry FC in the club’s first-ever season in the League of Ireland. It’s a great honour to lead out such a brilliant group of fellas, having worked with the group for the last 6 weeks, I can see the talent and quality is there and the potential we have to cause a few upsets this year. So look, I can’t wait to get out and lead the boys out in front of a packed house in Mounthawk Park on Friday night

Vice-Captain Wayne Guthrie said; “I’m delighted to be named vice-captain by the players. It’s a great honour to be picked by my teammates and I appreciate the lad’s trust in me to take on this honour of being vice-captain for Kerry FC. We are all looking forward to Friday night and for the season ahead”

First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “It is a landmark moment for Matt and obviously being the first captain of Kerry Football Club is a proud achievement for him and his family.

The way that we go about this as a group is that we are looking for leaders all over the group, all over the squad in all areas, but Matt has really come to the fore over the last number of weeks in the way that he trains, his attitude and his application in training and still looks to improve in every training session.

He leads by example in a lot of ways and I’m delighted for him to be the first captain here at the club. The players are also delighted to have him as captain and are very happy for Matt. I am looking forward to seeing how he takes to the role and how he brings the younger players along with him”

Billy Dennehy on Vice-Captain Wayne Guthrie: “Wayne is a player who showed a huge appetite to come into Kerry FC and be a part of the club and be in amongst the group here in Kerry Football Club.

“That has obviously been recognised by all his teammates as well in relation to him being selected as Vice-Captain for the upcoming season. Delighted for Wayne, he has a good personality. He can bring his experience from his GAA background over to us and the experience of playing on big occasions will stand to him as well. A proud day for himself and his family, many congratulations to him for being named vice-captain of the club”.

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KERRY FC has announced the signing of Steven McCarthy ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign which gets underway this Friday.

The 24-year-old striker has played his whole career with Kerry District League side Killarney Celtic winning multiple league titles and cups along with appearing in various FAI Junior Cup encounters.

Although without League of Ireland experience, Steven has had a good handle on the game having first donned the green and white hoops of Killarney Celtic at 6 years of age.

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Steven becomes Kerry FC’s 29th and final signing ahead of the season starting on Friday night.

Speaking on his signing, Steven McCarthy said; “I’m delighted to sign for Kerry FC. It is a great opportunity for me to go and test myself at this level. I’m looking forward to the season opener on Friday night and hopefully, we can start our first-ever campaign with a win.

First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy said “Steven is a player who has spent his whole career playing local football in the Munster Senior League and with Killarney Celtic where he has done really well.

“But I think Steven is a player that has the ability to play at a higher level. For me, when I see players like that, there are one or two questions I must ask. Are they comfortable at the level they are at or have they never had the opportunity to go onto the next level? For me, seeing the way Steven has been training and working the last couple of weeks has shown me that he does have that ambition to play at a higher level but never had the option here in Kerry.

“I am absolutely delighted to give him that opportunity now. I think his technical ability is something we have seen already and I think the fitter he gets and more accustomed to our style of play, he will only improve in the coming years. I think he has done well for Killarney Celtic over a large number of years so we are very thankful to them for keeping him involved in the game and giving him the platform to develop his talents over a number of years”.

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KERRY FC has announced the signing of Shane Guthrie ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign which gets underway this Friday.

The 38-year-old League of Ireland veteran has teamed up with the Kerry FC squad ahead of the new season to represent his native county in the club’s maiden year at this level. Shane is a brother to Kerry FC goalkeeper Wayne Guthrie giving a family feel to our defensive strength.

In his early career, Shane played underage football in Kerry with St Brendan’s Park, Kingdom Boys and Tralee Dynamos.

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Shane moved on to the Kerry Under 21 setup before signing for Cork City in 2003. From Cork, Shane went to Kilkenny City on loan in the First Division before joining Shamrock Rovers where he claimed his first of three First Division titles.

He moved to Cobh Ramblers in 2007 where Shane won his second First Division titles, before stints with Galway United, St Patricks Athletic and Dundalk.

He won the Leinster Senior Cup with St Pats in 2011 before moving to Limerick FC in 2012 when he was part of the squad that won the First Division and the Munster Senior Cup. Most recently, the centre-back has been playing for Tralee Dynamos in the Kerry District League.

Speaking on his signing for Kerry Football Club, Shane said; “Absolutely delighted to sign for Kerry FC. The work that has been put in to get to this stage is phenomenal. But it is long overdue that this county has a team represented in the League of Ireland. To be involved in that bit of history is unreal. Can’t wait to get it started and bring the buzz back to Mounthawk Park.“

First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy said “Shane is a Kerry player who has gone on to represent some of the biggest clubs in the country. He is also a good friend of mine who has a great attitude to the game and great professionalism in the way he trains and in terms of how he looks after his body and how he approaches the game. That will be a big advantage to the younger players to be able to learn from and grow from as well. So I am really looking forward to having him in and I suppose a nice ending chapter in his career at League of Ireland level to be able to bow out representing your home town club. Hopefully, he will be able to get another few years out of it yet for us”.

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KERRY FC has announced the signing of Kevin Williams and Aaron O’Sullivan ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign which gets underway this Friday.

Kevin Williams is a 22-year-old Centre Back with a wide variety of experience in the game. He played for the Kerry FC Academy at under 17 and 19 levels. From Kerry FC he signed for Cork City and lined up with the sides under 19 squad.

From Cork, Williams made the move to Cobh Ramblers where he played in the SSE Airtricity First Division.

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Kevin made the move to Germany in 2021 where he played for Inter Leipzig and most recently with FSV Union Fürstenwalde in the Oberliga. Kevin can also slot into the Right Back position when needed.

Aaron O’Sullivan, who is 19 years of age, has graduated from the Kerry FC Academy where he has played under 19 League of Ireland football for the last two seasons.

Previous to that, Aaron played for Killarney Athletic from a young age. O’Sullivan now completes the goalkeeper line-up ahead of the new season, joining both Wayne Guthrie and Callan Scully in the club’s shot-stopper options for the season ahead.

Speaking on his announcement, Kevin Williams said; “Yeah It’s simple I’m looking forward to playing in this league especially with Kerry as it’s where I’ve grown up playing football in my youth career. It is exciting times as I get to show what I can do as a footballer and what this team and county can achieve together.”

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Speaking on his signing for Kerry Football Club, Aaron said “To sign for Kerry FC is something that I’m very proud of as I get to represent where I’m from. It’s something that I’ve been excited about and working hard towards for a long time. To team up with Wayne and Callan is a huge experience for me and I can’t wait for the season to kick off”.

First-Team manager Billy Dennehy said; “Kevin is another player who has played his grassroots football in Kerry. He is a player who had to travel far and wide to try and progress in the game and to try and play at a decent level.

Kevin was always a player who always reached out to me whenever he was home from other clubs or during the off-season to come in and train with us and be part of the Kerry FC setup. From there, I always knew he had a strong attitude and appetite to represent our club.

Once this project was announced, Kevin was moving home back to Ireland, so the timing was really suitable for this club to be in place. Kevin is at the stage of his career where he can really make a big impact on the league through the experience he has from other leagues and clubs and I’m looking forward to him bringing that experience into the squad here and not only developing himself but a lot of other players too”.

On Aaron O’Sullivan, Billy said; “Aaron is a goalkeeper who has been in the academy with us for the last couple of years. He is a young goalkeeper with great attributes for the position. But like all young players he has room for improvement. He has a great attitude and good determination in training and I have no doubt he will develop in the coming years ahead”.

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KERRY FC has announced the signing of Leo Gaxha from English second-tier side Sheffield United ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign which kicks off next Friday evening with a home tie against Cobh Ramblers, kicking off at 19:45.

In a huge boost to the squad, Leo has made the decision to return to Kerry to line out for his home team in the side’s first season at senior League of Ireland level.

Gaxha grew up in the Kingdom and played for both St Brendan’s Park and Tralee Dynamos at schoolboy level.

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Leo has previously signed for Kerry FC, playing at under 15 level for the side before making the move cross-channel when he signed for Sheffield United 6 years ago.

The 20-year-old forward lined out for the Blades Youth team and also played for the side’s Reserves team over the past 5 seasons, appearing in the FA Youth Cup.

Leo has also worn the international shirt for both Ireland and Albania, lining up with Ireland at under 16 and 17 levels while he wore the Albania shirt at under 18 level.

Speaking on his announcement, Leo Gaxha said; “I’m delighted to be back and to sign for Kerry Football Club. I’m absolutely ready to give it everything and to show people we’re not here just to participate.

“It’s an honour to be back in Kerry and I can’t wait to get goingnext Friday evening in front of a packed Mounthawk Park.”

First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “Leo is another example of why Kerry Football Club should exist really. He is a young lad from Kerry who did very well to get a move to a big club in the UK, Sheffield United.

Obviously, for various reasons, Leo is at a stage in his career where he needs the next step and now with Kerry FC in place, that next step can be here at home where he can get back to playing football and an environment where he can show his abilities and his talent while living at home and a having a comfortable environment around him.

Leo has shown an unbelievable appetite to come in and be a part of the club and is a prime example for a lot of young players of what a good attitude can achieve. We are delighted to have him on board.”

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KERRY FC has welcomed Rob Vasiu who has signed for the senior squad ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign which gets underway next Friday night against Cobh Ramblers in Mounthawk Park.

Rob, who is 19, plays in the Right Back position and graduates from the Kerry FC Academy where he played with the under-19s.

A former St Brendan’s Park player, Rob signed for Kerry FC six years ago where he has played Under 15, 17 and 19 League of Ireland football representing the Kingdom.

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Speaking on his step up to Senior League of Ireland football, Rob said; “It’s a great honour to sign with the senior squad, getting the opportunity to represent Kerry in the League of Ireland is a dream I’ve had from a young age. I can’t wait to make the most of it and I’m looking forward to the season getting underway next weekend.”

First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “Rob is another young player that has come through our academy system here at the club and worked under myself and the coaching staff for the last number of years.

“The development Rob has made over the last few years has been phenomenal and has all been down to his work rate and attitude and his willingness to improve every day.

“Although he is young in his career he is an example to a lot of other players in the academy on how to train, prepare to train and the effort you need to put into training every day.

“I’m delighted to give Rob this opportunity to be involved in this senior League of Ireland club. He has a lot of learning to do as a young player still so it will be interesting to see how he develops over the weeks ahead,” said Dennehy.

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WEXFORD native Graham O’Reilly says he is looking forward to the opportunity of playing for Kerry FC ahead of the 2023 season.

The versatile player signed from Waterford FC ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division season which kicks off a week from today.

Graham is 20 years old and can play both right-back and in midfield as well. Having played League of Ireland underage for his native Wexford FC, O’Reilly made the move to Waterford FC, where he became captain of the under-19 squad.

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He also made his debut for the Waterford FC senior side in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division at just 18 years of age. Graham was part of the Kerry FC Under 19 squad last year as an overage.

Speaking on his signing for the Kerry FC senior squad, Graham O’Reilly said; “This is a huge opportunity for myself to progress my football with a great club and I’m looking forward to seeing how the season goes and so is all the team. Everyone in Kerry FC and the people of Kerry have been very welcoming to me from moving down from Wexford and I greatly appreciate that.”

First Team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “Graham is a player that came into us last year from Waterford FC. He is currently studying at the MTU in Tralee and showed an interest in coming to the club and playing for Kerry FC.

“He got an injury last season with the under 19s which ruled him out for a lot of the year. But he has shown a great appetite in pre-season to come in and show how much he wants to play at this level and how much he wants to improve.

“From my point of view, it’s great to have players like Graham that are involved with the club from other areas and to be proud to be representing Kerry FC as well as looking to improve as a young player. Delighted to have him involved, he’s a versatile player who can play in a few positions for us so I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops throughout the season.”

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KERRY FC has announced the signing of left-back Jonathan Hannafin ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division season.

The 28-year-old Kerry man carries a wealth of football experience into the first-team squad. Jonathan played Under 19 League of Ireland with Cork City from 2012 to 2013 winning the league and cup double in his time with the Rebel Army.

A move to local League of Ireland side Tralee Dynamos was on the cards in 2013 playing under 19 and under 20 before graduating to the senior side and playing in the ‘A Championship’.

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From Dynamos, Hannafin went on to play in the Munster Senior League with Fairview Rangers (2015-2017), Pike Rovers (2017-2019), where he played in the FAI Junior Cup Final and most recently with Mervue United (2019-2022).

Speaking on his signing for Kerry FC, Jonathan Hannafin said; “I’m delighted to sign for Kerry FC and be a part of something very special. To sign for Kerry FC, I feel like I’m representing my own as a proud Kerry man.

“There’s a huge togetherness within the club both on and off the field. It can be seen every day at training and within the clubhouse. I am just looking forward to wearing the Kerry FC jersey with pride.”

First Team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “Jonathan is another Kerry player who travelled far and wide to try and play at the highest level possible that he could. If this platform had been here for him many years ago it probably would have helped his development he could have made as a younger player.

“But he, like many others, now that the platform is here, has come back in pre-season and is still coming back from a bad injury he had. But he has trained well so far and it will be interesting to see how he progresses as the season gets underway and gets fitter and athletically back to where he was before the injury. He is another great addition to the squad and we are delighted to have him on board.”

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KERRY FC has announced the signing of Mark Carey from Cork City ahead of the SSE Airtricity League campaign which opens up in just 10 days’ time with a clash against Cobh Ramblers in Mounthawk Park, Tralee.

Carey, a nineteen-year-old centre back is a welcome addition to the squad as preparations intensify ahead of the opening game next week.

The young Cork man signs from Cork City FC’s academy where he played in the Under 19 League of Ireland for the past 2 seasons.

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Previous to his stint in Cork City, Carey played under Darren Delaney in Cobh Ramblers at under 17 level. Mark also holds an SFAI National Cup medal at under 15 level while playing for College Corinthians.

Following his official signing for Kerry FC, Mark Carey said; “I’m excited to play with Kerry FC’s first-ever senior SSE Airtricity League of Ireland team. I can tell by the attitudes of the coaches, players and all the staff here in Kerry FC that we are going to achieve great things this year and for many years to come. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

First Team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “Mark is a young player coming into us from Cork. I was made aware of Mark by my brother Darren who coached Mark going back a few years ago now with the Cobh under 17s.

“He is a player with all the attributes to play at the top level but ultimately like all young players his development and his growth will all depend on his attitude and commitment to improving over the coming months. He is definitely a young player we are very excited to have here in Kerry FC”.

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KERRY FC has announced the signing of centre-back Kalen Spillane to the squad ahead of the SSE Airtricity First Division season.

Kalen, who is 31, is from Carrigaline in County Cork and has a wide range of experience in the game. Having played with his local side Carrigaline United underage, Spillane made the move to Cork City at the age of 18 and played 5 seasons in the League of Ireland with the Rebel Army.

From Cork City, Kalen moved to Sligo Rovers where he tasted UEFA Europa League football, playing 4 games in all at European level.

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A move down under to Australia was on the cards for the tall centre back and he played for St Kildas before moving back to his home in Cork where in recent years he has been playing Munster Senior League for Avondale United and Carrigaline United.

Speaking on his signing for Kerry FC, Kalen Spillane said; “First of all, I’m delighted to be back in the League of Ireland and to represent Kerry Football Club is an honour for both myself and my family. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead this season and I am eager to get going on February 17th. I want to repay the club and the manager for the faith they have shown in me.”

First-Team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “Kalen is a player I’ve been aware of since my time at Cork City in the League of Ireland. He’s been out of League of Ireland football for a few years but always had the attributes to play at this level. When Kerry FC’s involvement in the league was announced, Kalen was one of the first players who showed great interest and desire to be a part of this project.”

“Even with work and family commitments, he showed a great attitude and commitment to travelling down for training and has fitted in really well with the group. He has blended in really well with all the players. I’m sure we will see all of Kalen’s attributes as the season goes on.”

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KERRY Football Club has welcomed two more players to the senior squad ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division season in five weeks time.

Similar to Junior Ankomah and Nathan Gleeson who were announced yesterday, both Cormac Buckley and Cian Brosnan are no strangers to the Kerry FC jersey as both have played at various underage levels in the League of Ireland for the Kingdom.

Cormac, a centre-back who can also play in midfield, played Under 17 and Under 19 League of Ireland football for Cobh Ramblers before moving to Kerry FC for his final year at Under 19 the following year. The Cork man also holds a UEFA C Coaching license but will have his eyes solely focused on the playing side of his career at Kerry FC.

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Cian Brosnan is a right winger and has played at 3 different age groups underage for Kerry FC in the League of Ireland. He signed for the under-15s in 2018 and made the step up to Under 17 the following year. Up until the end of last season, Cian played for Kerry FC at Under 19 League of Ireland level

Following his signing, Cormac Buckley said; “I’m looking forward to the new season, I played a lot of underage LOI football in the last few years so I’m excited to get going playing at senior level this season”

Speaking on his announcement, Cian Brosnan said; “The step up the senior level has always been my main aim and to do it with Kerry means even more to me. Billy and Shookie have been a great help to me both on and off the pitch over the last 4/5 years so to be playing at senior level with them as management is even more sentimental. Just can’t wait for the first Friday night.”

First-team Manager and Sporting Director Billy Dennehy said; “Cian is another player to come through the academy structures. I’m happy he now has the opportunity to play at senior League of Ireland level – Cian has the potential to do really well in the game – I will be interested to see how Cian can progress at this level”.

Billy added; “Cormac joined us two years ago. Travelling from Macroom for every training session he has shown a great attitude to progress and with the training environment here, Cormac is another young player that has the potential to progress”.

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KERRY Football Club has welcomed Nathan Gleeson and Junior Ankomah to the senior squad ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division season which begins on February 17 in Mounthawk Park against Cobh Ramblers.

Both Nathan and Junior have played four years at underage level for Kerry FC, at both Under 17 and 19 levels and have previously worked under Billy Dennehy at the club.

Junior, a central midfield player, moved from Dynamos to play Under 15 League of Ireland for Kerry FC before graduating to Under 17 the following year. He played his second year of Under 17 football with Limerick FC before returning to the Kingdom to play the last 3 seasons at Under 19 level.

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Nathan is a Winger, who like Junior, played for Tralee Dynamos up to Under 16s. He made the move to Kerry FC for Under 17 League of Ireland football and graduated to Under 19 level where he’s played for the last two seasons.

Following his signing, Junior Ankomah said; “Delighted to be playing under Billy once again for the upcoming season. He’s always taken care of me on and off the pitch and to be invited up to play senior football for Kerry FC in 2023 is a dream come through for me.

First-team Manager and Sporting Director Billy Dennehy said; “Nathan and Junior are two players that have come through the Kerry league of Ireland academy structures. They are players that have always shown a commitment and desire to progress in the game and I’m happy they now have the opportunity to be involved at first-team league of Ireland level. I’m interested to see how they can progress at this level.”

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LIMERICK native Andy Quaid is the latest player to be signed up by Billy Dennehy ahead of the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division season.

The defensive midfielder signs for the league’s new boys from Regional United FC of Limerick. Quaid played at this level before, donning his native Limerick FC jersey in the First Division in 2019.

Quaid learned his trade at the Limerick FC Academy before moving up to the senior squad for the 2019 season. He made the move to local side Regional United in 2020 where he has played for the past two seasons.

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Speaking on his signing, Andy said; “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Kerry F.C! It’s class to be a part of such a good club, with a great atmosphere around it! The boys and the management team have been fantastic! I can’t wait for the season ahead!”

First-team Manager Billy Dennehy said; “Andy is another player who has shown a great appetite to represent Kerry Football Club. He has trained hard with us over the last number of weeks and we are delighted to give him this opportunity. I look forward to seeing Andy develop more and more in the weeks and months ahead”.

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A CROATIAN national has put pen to paper and will line out for Kerry FC in the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division Season.

Trpimir Vrljicak, who is 22 years old, will play an upfront role for Kerry FC, having signed from Killarney Celtic whom he’s been playing for since he made his move to Ireland from the Czech Republic where he last played football.

‘Tryp’ , from Medjugorje, went to football school in NK Neretva before signing for NK Istra 1961, who play in the Croatian First Division.

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Trpimir went on to play first-team football for Junak Sinj, who play in the Second Division in Croatia. Standing at 6 foot 4, the Croatian attacker has an incredible stature.

Speaking on the announcement, Trpimir said; “To be honest, this is a new beginning for me, I really like Kerry. This is a great opportunity for my teammates and I to take a step forward in our careers, we are a young team with an excellent coach and his assistants who can help us a lot and show us many things. The only thing I want to say to the fans is that I will always give 150% of myself on the field and that I am hungry for victories and goals.”

First team manager Billy Dennehy said’ “’Tryp’ is a great guy and a great addition to our squad ahead of the season. We are delighted to give Tryp this opportunity to play at league of Ireland level. His experience is huge for us and with his height, he will be a huge threat in front of goal”.

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KERRY man Sean Kennedy has signed to play for Kerry FC in the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division campaign.

Sean, who hails from Annascaul, will return home in 2023 to line out for Kerry FC in the club’s inaugural season at senior level in the League of Ireland.

Having played underage football in Kerry and for Tralee Dynamos, Sean made the move cross-channel to play for former Premier League side Sunderland, making some 11 appearances for the North England sides Under 18 team.

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Kennedy returned to Ireland in 2021 where he played for both Cork City’s under-19 and senior sides before finishing up with the Rebel Army at the end of 2021. Sean also donned the international jersey for Ireland at Under 15 level.

Speaking on the announcement, Sean said; “I’m delighted to sign for Kerry FC after taking a career break for the past year. I can’t wait to get started and looking forward to playing back home”.

He added; “When I got the call from Billy I couldn’t turn it down. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of all the fans and getting all the support we can here at home in Kerry”.

First team manager Billy Dennehy said; “I’m delighted to have secured the services of Sean for 2023. He is a huge asset to us and has proven he can compete at this level of the game”. Billy added “The squad is beginning to take shape and training seasons are intensifying as we begin to take our preseason sessions to the next level”.

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