Kerry FC ahead of schedule as Premier Division dream comes into view

Kerry face Bray in the first leg of their First Division play-off semi-final on Saturday

Colin Healy: 'Everybody in Kerry is getting behind the team and that’s good for everybody.' Pic: Eakin Howard/Sportsfile

Play-off history has shown momentum is paramount and, in that respect, Kerry FC are the indomitable force.

No other team in the First Division over the second half of the season took more than the 32 points that Colin Healy’s outfit did.

Three years into their existence as the League of Ireland’s newest entrant and the Premier Division ambition is within touching distance.

Only a bit sooner than envisaged.

That’s been accelerated by a dedicated crew of players with a local spine, the nous of former Ireland international Healy and the investment of John Wall.

Recent accounts filed confirmed that the initial €1.5m injection from the Tralee-born, US-based businessman allowed the club to lose almost two-thirds of it in pursuit of a first-ever playoff spot.

Mounthawk Park will be abuzz come the 7.45pm kick-off time on Saturday for the first leg of their semi-final. In visitors Bray Wanderers, who’ve emerged from the pack as the team facing the Premier Division side in the final playoff for each of the last two seasons, they’ve got the toughest task of all.

Corkman Healy doesn’t baulk at the challenge of turning over a Seagulls side they swept aside 4-0 at the Carlisle Grounds at the end of July.

“We don’t fear anybody,” declared the former Celtic and Sunderland midfielder.

“Everybody can see that we’ve a good squad but this division can be strange at times. A few results and you climb the table.

“We got a lot of wins (11) over those last 18 games. We’re the form team going into the play-offs and the players are in a good place.

"But I know there’s still more to come from them.

“They’ve been outstanding in the second half of the season after a slow start.

"The atmosphere around the place is really good so I’m not surprised this is the latest match to be sold out.

“Everybody in Kerry is getting behind the team and that’s good for everybody. You talk to people and it brings everybody together. Hopefully that continues for another few weeks.” 

That run of form is even more impressive given star striker Ryan Kelliher has been unavailable. He suffered the second season-ending ACL injury, on the same knee, in June.

Another striker, Daniel Okwute, has endured fitness problems too but after returning to the bench for the latest matches against Cobh Ramblers and Cork City, he’ll be unleashed over this tie that ends in Co Wicklow on Tuesday night.

Healy, who was appointed in May 2025 after originally turning it down when working with the Ireland women’s team, was also eager to praise his experienced spine.

Adding voices of leadership was one area he was keen to address at the start of his first full season.

“I felt it was important to bring in players who had experience of big games and winning this division,” he explained.

“The likes of Jonas Häkkinen and Vincent Borden, along with Cian Bargary and Cian Murphy, have helped them.

“The senior players are in charge of the dressing-room. I come in and say my piece but they’ve the voices.”

It’s the sounds of a 10-team top-flight that are coming into earshot for the people of Kerry. Should they topple Paul Heffernan’s Seagulls, then another two-leg final awaits against either UCD or Longford Town.

After that, a showdown in early November, likely against Drogheda United or Waterford, looms for a spot in the 2027 Premier Division.

“We can’t be thinking that far ahead,” insisted Healy, with his customary smile. “Bray will be a tough opponent but I know wherever this takes us, the club will be ready for next year.”