Kerry FC confirm two additions with swoop for UCD defender Dunne and return of Okwute

Conor McCarthy's preparations for the Kingdom's 2025 campaign continue with his fourth new recruit of the off-season and a return for local winger

Sat, 11 Jan, 2025 - 20:33

Staff

Kerry FC have continued their preparations for the 2025 campaign as they announced a new addition as well as the return of a key cog of Conor McCarthy's squad.

Saturday's double announcement was highlighted by the signing of UCD AFC defender Alex Dunne ahead of the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign. Dunne, who is 22, becomes McCarthy’s fourth new signing of the 2025 winter transfer window as the squad gets knitted together ahead of the season start next month.

The 22-year-old, who was Dublin-born but Meath-based, plays his trade mainly at right back. He started his League of Ireland journey with Shamrock Rovers. A move to UCD saw him play 20 games across the Premier Division and the FAI Cup for the students. Last season, Dunne played 32 games for UCD, including two appearances against the Kingdom in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.

Speaking after his signing for Kerry FC, Alex Dunne said: “I’m delighted to be here. The club is starting an exciting new chapter, and after speaking to the manager, it’s something that I had to be a part of. The club has serious ambitions and goals, and I’m ready to give everything I can to help reach them.”

The club also confirmed the re-signing of Daniel Okwute as the 21-year-old rejoins McCarthy’s charges ahead of the new campaign. The Killarney winger re-joined Kerry in the summer of 2023 after a spell in England with Stockport in the UK and a loan move to Finn Harps. Okwute has gone on to play 60 games for his native club over the last 18 months, scoring six goals along the way, two of which were on the path to the 2024 Munster Senior Cup final.

Speaking after re-signing for Kerry FC, Daniel Okwute said:" “Delighted to sign again for a new season after positive conversations with the club. I was really impressed with what they had to say and I’m looking forward to coming back and improving and progressing from last season. Hopefully, Mounthawk Park is bouncing again this season”

McCarthy added: “We are delighted to have Daniel back in with the squad for the 2025 season. I’ve known Daniel for a long time, he was with us in the Academy before his move cross-channel to Stockport. Since his return, Daniel has impressed with his work ethic in training and adding another string to our bow in attack. I’m sure Daniel will continue to learn and grow in the game in 2025. He has a fantastic CV for a man of 21 and he’s already impressing in pre-season training with us again.”