Kingdom Dominates in Dublin

Kerry defeated Dublin 1-16 to 1-10 at Croke Park on Saturday, February 21st, 2026, ending a nine-year drought for league victories over their rivals in the iconic stadium. The win solidifies Kerry’s position in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League.

The match, attended by 25,027 spectators, saw Kerry lead from the fourth minute onwards. While the game wasn’t a classic, Kerry’s control was evident throughout, despite a late surge from Dublin.

Key Performances Drive Kerry Success

Tony Brosnan’s goal in the 56th minute proved pivotal, extending Kerry’s lead and effectively sealing the victory. Sean O’Shea and David Clifford each contributed four points, while Paudie Clifford and Tom O’Sullivan made significant impacts after being introduced as substitutes.

The return of Paudie Clifford and Tom O’Sullivan from the bench “strengthened their hand considerably,” according to reports.

Scoring Summary

• Dublin: P. Modest (1 P2), C. O’Callaghan (2f, ’45) 0-3 each; P. Ó Cofaigh Byrne 1-0; C. Kilkenny 0-2 (P2); R. McGarry, N. Scully 0-1 apiece.
• Kerry: T. Brosnan 1-2; S. O’Shea (2 P2), D. Clifford (1 P2, 1f) 0-4 each; T. O’Sullivan 0-2; T. Morley, G. O’Sullivan, P. Clifford, C. Trant 0-1 apiece.

Dublin Faces Relegation Concerns

Dublin’s third defeat in four outings leaves them facing a relegation battle in Division 1. The loss was compounded by an injury to captain Con O’Callaghan, who suffered a hamstring injury and was forced to leave the game at halftime.

“Dublin were at best workmanlike and the Kingdom should have put them to the sword far earlier than they did.”

irishexaminer.com

Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne scored a late goal for Dublin in the 65th minute, narrowing the gap to three points, but Kerry responded with scores from O’Sullivan and O’Shea to secure the win.

Team Lineups

Dublin

• Dublin: E. Comerford; E. Murchan, N. Doran, D. Byrne; N. Scully, C. McMorrow, A. Gavin; B. Howard, P. Ó Cofaigh Byrne; R. McGarry, S. Bugler, C. Kilkenny; P. Small, C. O’Callaghan, L. O’Dell. Subs: S. MacMahon for Doran (34), J. Quigley for O’Callaghan (half-time), L. Breathnach for O’Dell (43), K. McGinnis for McGarry (45), C. Tyrrell for Gavin (62).

Kerry

• Kerry: S. Murphy; E. Looney, J. Foley, D. Casey; A. Heinrich, T. Morley, G. O’Sullivan; J. O’Connor, M. O’Shea; C. Trant, S. O’Shea, M. Burns; T. Brosnan, D. Clifford, K. Evans. Subs: P. Murphy for Looney (half-time), P. Clifford for Burns (half-time), D. O’Sullivan for Trant (54), T. O’Sullivan for G. O’Sullivan (54), L. Smith for M. O’Shea (63).

Looking Ahead

Kerry will next face Monaghan in Killarney, while Dublin will need a strong performance against Roscommon to avoid relegation.