FAI Cup Preview: Kerry -v- Ringmahon Rangers
- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Jul 21 2023
KERRY
Kerry are set to host Ringmahon Rangers at Mounthawk Park in their first FAI Cup game on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Kingdom come into the tie following a spirited performance away to Longford Town last weekend – but they fell to a 2-1 defeat.
And with a genuine chance of progression to the next round of the competition, boss Billy Dennehy is hoping his side can qualify.
“We’ll be looking to put in a good performance for them and be at our very, best and make it an exciting game,” he said. “We know it won’t be handed to us either.
"I know Ringmahon have a lot of experienced players, a lot of lads who could be playing at League of Ireland level, but through work commitments and family life just don’t have the time to commit to League of Ireland level.
"They’ll be a decent team, but for me looking at our lads, especially over the last number of weeks I feel we have gone on to another level in our performances, individually and as a team.”
Sean Kennedy remains Kerry’s sole injury this weekend, while the club have also confirmed that goalkeeper Wayne Guthrie has left.
RINGMAHON RANGERS
Underdogs Ringmahon make the relatively short trip to Tralee on Friday night knowing that they can pull off a cup upset against their Munster foes.
Kerry sit bottom of the pile in the League of Ireland second-tier and have won just once all season – away to Athlone Town.
Meanwhile, Ringmahon come into the game off the back of an impressive Munster Senior League campaign last season.
The Cork side were just beaten to the title by Rockmount – but they do have some former League of Ireland players within their ranks.
Former Cobh Ramblers pair Anthony McAlavey and Christopher Hull both play for the club – and they reached the first round proper by seeing off Killester-Donnycarney in the last round.
Referee: Marc Lynch.
PREDICTION
Kerry 1-0 Ringmahon Rangers
Kerry
Injured: Sean Kennedy.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
Ringmahon Rangers
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
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