A Thrilling Encounter at Turner’s Cross
Cork City delivered a remarkable performance in their recent match against Kerry, securing a 4-2 victory. The game was marked by intense action and key moments that captivated the crowd of 5,366 fans, making it the biggest First Division crowd of the season.
Stephen Barry reported from Turner’s Cross, highlighting Seani Maguire’s hat-trick and Fiacre Kelleher’s redemption story. The €5 ticket offer attracted a significant number of supporters, who were treated to a goal for every euro spent, plus an extra one for free.
Kerry started strongly, catching Cork City off guard with quick throw-ins. Despite being two down at half-time, Cork City staged a comeback. Kelleher, who had conceded an early penalty, won the spot-kick for the equalizer in the 81st minute, which led to Vincent Borden’s red card. He then headed home the winning goal in the 90th minute. Maguire completed his hat-trick within 25 seconds of the kick-off, moving him to the top of the scoring charts with eight goals this season.
Key Players and Tactical Adjustments
Norwich City loanee AJ Bridge made his first start for Cork City as Barry Robson rested Greg Bolger. Cillian Murphy, who recently scored four goals in three games to help Ireland qualify for the U17 World Cup, regained his starting spot ahead of Conor Drinan.
Colin Healy, a former Leeside player and manager, included five ex-City players in his starting line-up: Jonas Hakkinen, Niall Brookwell, Arran Healy, Cian Bargary, and Cian Murphy. Their presence contributed to a strong start for Kerry.
In the early stages, Bargary’s quick throw-in was controlled by Murphy, but Kelleher handled inside the box, leading to a penalty for Daryl Carolan. Murphy scored his third goal for the Kingdom, marking a successful start for the team.
Cork City responded with chances, including Hans Mpongo’s scuffed shot and Maguire’s beautiful turn creating a chance. However, Kerry maintained a potent threat with Arran Healy’s shots and a well-rehearsed corner-kick routine.
Second Half Comeback
After a stoppage for Halwax’s treatment, Cork City fell two down in the second added minute. Fitzpatrick left the ball behind him as Kerry countered, and Kelleher scored a goal to mark his first start since tearing his ACL in May 2025.
Robson made tactical changes at half-time, replacing Bridge and Keating with Bolger and Drinan. This reshaped the formation to a 4-4-2, with Mpongo moving up front and Cillian Murphy onto the right flank.
Kerry soaked up the pressure for 10 minutes before the dam burst. Fitzpatrick’s cross led to Maguire heading home the equalizer. Bolger tested Halwax with a low drive, and Maguire’s header was cleared off the line by Seán O’Connell.
Redemption and Victory
Redemption came in the 81st minute when Fitzpatrick and Maguire created a chance for Kelleher. After a run on Borden, Kelleher headed the ball, which was saved by Halwax. Carolan awarded the penalty for Borden’s efforts to hold back the City captain.
Maguire converted the penalty, and after receiving treatment, Borden was sent off with a second yellow. Halwax went to his left as Maguire rolled the ball to his right, securing the win for Cork City.
Kelleher continued to dominate in the box, flicking on a corner for a Drinan effort, before beating his marker to head home Murphy’s next delivery. Straight from the kick-off, Bolger sent a ball over the top for Mpongo to round Halwax and Maguire to tap in.
Final Thoughts
The match concluded with angry words between Colin Healy and Bolger at full-time as the rest of the home support celebrated City’s unbeaten streak surviving a major scare.
Cork City Lineup:
Conor Brann; Rory Feely, Fiacre Kelleher, Charlie Lyons (Harry Nevin 90+1); Josh Fitzpatrick, Darragh Crowley, AJ Bridge (Greg Bolger 46), Hans Mpongo; Cillian Murphy; Seani Maguire (Matthew Murray 90+3), Ruairí Keating (Conor Drinan 46).
Kerry Lineup:
Harry Halwax; Ewan Lee, Killian Cantwell, Jonas Hakkinen, Kieran Cooney (Seán O’Connell 53); Niall Brookwell; Cian Bargary, Vincent Borden, Arran Healy (Ryan Perez 90+1), Cian Murphy; Ryan Kelliher (Eric Koufie 74).
Referee: Daryl Carolan (Louth).
