'That is non-negotiable': Killarney Celtic target positive start to FAI National league against UCC

Now it’s the turn of the sole representatives of the Kingdom and the Rebels to embark on their new journey in this 15-club third tier of Irish football as Killarney Celtic host UCC Soccer at Celtic Park on Saturday (kick-off is at 2pm).

GAME ON: Killarney Celtic's Matt Keane and assistant manager Tim Jones during the 2026 FAI National League Season launch. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

The Cork City and Kerry FC rivalry continues to grow and grow, but now the battle between the two counties is reaching a more local level although still on the FAI football pyramid.

The FAI's National League got underway last weekend, and it has already produced a number of entertaining storylines, including former Paraguay international Milton Rodrigo Benitez Liero being an unused substitute in Newbridge’s loss to CK United.