Russell suffers nightmare FAI Cup loss
Shelbourne manager John Russell suffered a defeat in his first match as boss following a penalty shootout loss to Kerry in the FAI Cup. Despite a late equalizer, Shelbourne fell short after two missed penalties in the shootout.
Why it matters
The result marks a significant upset in Irish domestic football and highlights the challenges facing Shelbourne as they prepare for European competition.
John Russell suffered another nightmare Club Orange FAI Cup loss in Mounthawk Park as his first match as Shelbourne boss ended in a shock defeat to Kerry.
Russell managed Sligo Rovers at the venue when the First Division side famously came from 3-0 down to progress in a quarter-final.
It was a penalty shootout heartache on this occasion as Kerry emerged 6-5 winners, despite missing their first two kicks and Shels scoring theirs.
For Kerry, it was another famous giant-killing under manager Colin Healy after their run to the semi-finals in 2025.
Shelbourne were forced to give a first-team debut to academy goalkeeper Finn Moylan due to Wessel Speel and Conor Walsh being out injured, leaving them without a senior stopper and no replacement on the bench.
An uneventful first half ended level but it was the second period when drama ensued.
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