Finn Harps look to overcome travel woes in season opener in Kerry

Finn Harps will kick off their 2025 League of Ireland First Division campaign this Friday night with an away fixture against Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park.

The fixture marks the beginning of what all hope to be a competitive season, with both sides looking to make an early statement.

The two teams were closely matched last season, with their four encounters producing two draws and a win apiece on home soil.

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However, Harps manager Darren Murphy is expecting a fresh challenge this time around, acknowledging the changes Kerry FC have undergone in the off-season.

Speaking ahead of the match, Murphy highlighted the difficulties of playing in Kerry, not just due to the lengthy travel but also because of the home side’s growth as a club.

"The games in Kerry over the past couple of seasons have been very difficult and while travel obviously plays a part, it also speaks to who they are as a team, especially on their home patch," the Finn Harps boss said.

"The Kerry of previous seasons isn't the same Kerry heading into this campaign. They've had investment, they want to grow the club in the county and they've brought in players from further afield to try and do that."

The manager also emphasised the challenges faced by his squad in preparing for such a fixture, particularly with their training schedule and the long journey to Tralee.

"It won’t be easy. We train at 9pm on a Thursday, so there are players who won’t get home until half 11 or so, and then they’re up and on a bus for 9am ahead of a six-hour bus journey to play the game and then get back on the bus for the return trip.

"I'm not making excuses, I just think it's important for supporters to understand the situation and the commitment of the lads who are with the club for the coming season. We’ll give it everything we have and we’ll see what happens Friday night."

Murphy will have to navigate some early-season injury concerns. Corey Sheridan is ruled out for the match, while there are doubts over the availability of William Oduwa and Aaron McLaughlin.

With both teams eager to start their campaigns on a positive note, Friday night's clash in Tralee promises to be an exciting and hard-fought encounter.