Kai O'Neill grabs first league goal as Cobh held to draw by Harps

Making the longest away trip of 432 kms, a Nathan Lumingo goal ensured Harps travelled the long journey back to Donegal with something to show for their efforts.

Fri, 27 Feb, 2026 - 22:04

John O'Shea

First Division: Cobh Ramblers 1 Finn Harps 1

A first League of Ireland goal for Kai O’Neill was ultimately only enough to claim a share of the spoils for Cobh Ramblers against Finn Harps at St Colman’s Park.

Making the longest away trip of 432 kms, a Nathan Lumingo goal ensured Harps travelled the long journey back to Donegal with something to show for their efforts.

In an opening half which saw little between the two sides, Ramblers went close to opening the scoring on 38 minutes, as the on-loan Bohemians man Rhys Brennan first just over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

Harps went close with half time approaching, when a Bernardo Monteiro effort was tipped over by Cobh goalkeeper Corey Chambers.

However, in first half stoppage time, it was Ramblers that went in front.

A cross inside the box from Brennan was met by O’Neill, who headed into the back of the net from close range.

It was a special moment for the 18-year-old, who is the third generation of his family to represent Cobh at a senior level.

The Donegal side continued to threaten, and they got on level terms on 72 minutes, when Lumingo finished with a neat strike to the bottom corner.

In the final 10 minutes of play Ramblers almost went back in front, when Jason Abbott saw his rocket of a strike come crashing off the post.

Cobh Ramblers: C Chambers; S Griffin, G Buckley (B Frahill, 66), C Coleman, C Honohan (B Linehan, 86); J Abbott, R Gourdie; K O’Neill (A Adenopo, 51), M Carroll (O Crowe, 86), R Brennan; W Waweru.

Finn Harps: C Sheridan; J Bradley-Walsh, A Fanle, C Tourish, J Cullen; M Hutchison, P Tokam; I Zerrouk (A McLaughlin, 61), B Monteiro(T Ajibola, 62), G McAteer (D de Lacerda, 90), S Bradley (N Lumingo, 62).

Referee: Mark Houlihan.