Kerry's journey to existence a special one for former City slicker Dennehy

Billy Dennehy will have a prime view from the centre of the Donie Forde stand for Kerry FC’s first-ever meeting with Cork City in the League of Ireland.

As fate would have it, the first of the clubs’ four clashes (at least) this season takes place on the opening night of the 2024 First Division campaign as two familiar foes, whose rivalry is usually saved for GAA, clash at Turner’s Cross.

Sitting alongside Billy – a former City winger and current Kerry sporting director - for morale support rather than in an official capacity, will be his brother Darren, who also enjoyed a stint with the Rebel Army during his playing days.

The two were teammates under John Caulfield and helped City to back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier Division, and also a run to the FAI Cup final in 2015, where they were again bested by Dundalk.

And while Billy, who also played for City in 2009, admits he still has fond memories of representing the Leesiders, he will be hoping Kerry can get a positive result in what he describes as a “landmark” fixture for the two neighbouring counties.

“I had a great time there, I really enjoyed playing for the club. It’s going to be very surreal for me going back,” begins Dennehy.

“When I was playing for Cork City and I used to come home to Kerry for the weekends I was often told that it was impossible for Kerry to have a League of Ireland club, that it will never happen.

“That’s something that I’d heard for 15, 20 years. I’m very proud to be part of a group of people – Steven Conway really deserves a strong mention – that have put this club together for everyone in Kerry to enjoy.

“Going into Turner’s Cross now as part of Kerry as an established League of Ireland club on the same footing as Cork City