Shamrock Rovers advance to the FAI Cup final with a dominant 6-1 victory over Kerry FC in Tallaght.
Goal Scorers
Kerry FC: Joe Adams [56′] [P]
Shamrock Rovers: Graham Burke [18′, 22′], Michael Noonan [45+3′, 67′], Dylan Watts [50′] [P], Cian Barrett [90+1′]
First Half
As the game kicked off, Kerry FC showed composure beyond their years. Shamrock Rovers dominated possession in the opening minutes, but the visitors were brave and purposeful when they had the ball. In the 14th minute, Kerry FC created their first chance when Daniel Okwute’s low cross almost found Robbie Cleary, who looked to make the scoring 0–1, only for goalkeeper Ed McGinty to smother the danger.
Three minutes later, Graham Burke, a man with experience at clubs such as Preston North End and Aston Villa, found space inside the box and fired low beyond Kerry goalkeeper Darragh Foley to open the scoring. Just five minutes later, Burke struck again to make it 2–0 to the Hoops.
Despite the setback, Kerry didn’t lose their composure. Colin Healy’s men continued to play out from the back, with Oran Crowe and Chris McQueen distributing calmly under pressure. In the 29th minute, former Uganda international Carl Mujaguzi was forced off and replaced by defender Samuel Aladesanusi, as Kerry looked to add more stability at the back.
Rovers were eager to grab a third before the break, and they did just that in stoppage time when Dylan Watts’ strike was deflected past Michael Noonan to make it 3–0. Referee Paul McLaughlin blew for half-time soon after, bringing an entertaining first half to a close at Tallaght Stadium.
Second Half
The second half began with Shamrock Rovers continuing to dominate possession. In the 50th minute, Dylan Watts converted from the penalty spot to extend the Hoops’ lead by four goals.
The Kingdom, however, responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Daniel Okwute was fouled in the box, and referee Paul McLaughlin once again pointed to the spot. The noise from the away section swelled in anticipation as Joe Adams stepped up and coolly sent Ed McGinty the wrong way to make it 4–1. The Kerry supporters erupted, scarves waving, drums pounding, voices echoing around Tallaght Stadium.
On the hour mark, Colin Healy introduced fresh legs, bringing on Cian Brosnan and Arran Healy for Cleary and Adams. Both players looked eager to make an impact.
In the 67th minute, Shamrock Rovers youngster Michael Noonan grabbed his second of the night to make it 5–1, but the spirit of the visitors never faded. The Kerry supporters turned the away end into a carnival of pride — their chants and a version of the Poznan lifting spirits that could be felt all the way back home in the Kingdom.
As the match entered its final quarter, Sean McGrath replaced Daniel Okwute in the 77th minute and immediately pressed high, while Arran Healy picked up a yellow card for a strong challenge that drew applause from the travelling fans.
In the final moments, Shamrock Rovers substitute and former Kerry FC loanee Cian Barrett added a sixth goal in the 91st minute, sealing Kerry FC’s FAI Cup exit for this season. When the final whistle blew, the Kerry players and staff made their way over to the away stand to thank the 1,200 travelling supporters who had backed them passionately from start to finish.
What’s Next
Shamrock Rovers return to League of Ireland Premier Division action on Friday, when they host Shelbourne at Tallaght Stadium. A win could see them crowned champions if Derry City drop points in their next match.
Meanwhile, Kerry FC prepare for their final home game of the League of Ireland First Division season as they welcome Wexford to Mounthawk Park. Wexford will be eager for three points as they chase Treaty United, with just two points separating the sides, while Kerry FC will be looking to bounce back after their 6–1 defeat in Tallaght.
Teams
Shamrock Rovers: 1. Edward McGinty, 2. Joshua Honohan, 3. Adam Matthews, 4. Roberto Lopes [C], 6. Daniel Cleary, 7. Dylan Watts, 10. Graham Burke, 14. Daniel Mandroiu, 17. Matthew Healy, 27. Cory O’Sullivan, 31. Michael Noonan.
Kerry FC: 40. Darragh Foley, 3. Sean O’Connell, 4. Oran Crowe, 5. Christopher McQueen, 6. Carl Mujaguzi, 8. Ronan Teahan [C], 10. Joe Adams, 11. Daniel Okwute, 14. Robert Cleary, 23. Finn Barrett, 28. Niall Brookwell.
MOTM: 31. Michael Noonan [Shamrock Rovers]
Credit
I want to give huge credit to all the Kerry FC fans, myself included, who made the trip to Tallaght for the match against Shamrock Rovers. It wasn’t an easy game, but we enjoyed every moment and stood proud throughout the 90 minutes.
A special mention goes to the North Terrace Boys, who played a massive part in driving the atmosphere. The flares, the chants, the colour you made us look and sound like a top-flight fanbase. Without you, things would have been a lot quieter, so fair play to everyone involved.
From the perspective of all of us Kerry FC supporters, we were magnificent. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of our growth together both as a club and as a fanbase.
Another huge thank-you goes to all the staff and coaches, and especially Billy Dennehy, for building something truly special down in Kerry. I really believe this is just the start of a bright future and who knows, maybe we’ll be seeing Premier Division football in the Kingdom sooner rather than later. Ciarraí Abú!
