First Division 2026 - Kerry

Kerry will get the First Division season underway with a trip to Dublin to play UCD, February 13. Then two home games against Athlone Town and Longford Town. Three Monday fixtures – April 6 away to Cork City, May 4 at home to Cork City, and August 3 at home to Cobh Ramblers. Close out the season at home in Mounthawk Park against Cork City on Friday, October 16.

33 points from 35 games last year. Might have been 36 from 36 if the opening win against Harps wasn't chalked off controversially. Depending on signings - got to think mid 40s will be a medium target with a mid 50s points total the higher target to push for playoffs.

A playmaker and a holding midfielder should be the priorities between now and the start of the season, along with another left-back. Certainly, with the investment and early signings, a playoff push has to be the main target - think we'd happily "sacrifice" another cup run for next year, if we did finish 4th/5th in the forthcoming campaign.

A good run in the Munster Senior Cup would be a bonus and getting to the playoffs would be great. Would sacrifice any cup run for the playoffs but the MSC is the best opportunity to land some silverware.

Still a bit early for my final early predictions but I am very happy with the recruitment so far.

Vince Borden (26) - Premier in 2024 & 2025 - 1st Division Winner in 2023
Jonas Hakenin (26) - Premier in 2023 - 1st Division Winner in 2022
Cian Murphy (25) - Premier in 2023 - 1st Division Winner in 2022 & 2024
Harry Halwax - (23) 1st Division in 2025 - Has played with Derby U23 & QPR U21

Notable Retained Players

Ryan Kelliher (24) - This is like a new signing, with better players around him, should be hitting 15 - 20 goals if he comes back fully fit.
Niall Brookwell (23) - 1st Division Winner in 2024, the former Liverpool Youth & Newcastle PL2 player settled very well for us.
Matt O Connor (28) - Premier Division Experience aswel as another 1st Division Winner in 2017
Daniel Okwute (22) - Got a move to Stockport in 2022, came back and could be a big year for him.
Sean O Connell (21) - Getting better with expierience - Over 100 League games played
Sean Mcgrath - (23) - Another over 100 games, club captain, an injury free year & going full time will only benefit him
Ewan Lee (23) - Mid Season Signing hasn't put a foot wrong, be great to see him play in his natural preferred Right Back Position this next Season.

Notable Others: Sam Aledansanusi, Finn Barrett, Luke Palmer, Luke Doolan, Cian Brosnan.

We definitely need some more reinforcement and if we can pick up the level of players already brought in with what's there, id be staying Top 5 for sure. Let's hope to hear some news before Xmas from the club about signings. Hitting 50 plus points, playoff spot, A good Cup Run and MSC Win would be a very good year.