Daniel Kelly excited to return to Carlisle Grounds for FAI Cup clash

Daniel Kelly visits the Carlisle Grounds for the first time as an opposition player on Friday as Dundalk FC face Bray Wanderers in the Sports Direct FAI Cup second round (Kick-off 7:45PM).

Kelly was plucked from Leinster Senior League obscurity by Bray back in 2018 and spent the first half of that season at the Wicklow club before linking up with Bohemians.

Coincidentally, 2018 was also the last time The Lilywhites played against Bray, who lost 3-1 on their home patch just two months shy of their relegation to the First Division.

“It’s a great club,” Kelly reflected on his spell at the Carlisle Grounds.

“I’m thankful obviously to Dave Mackey as well, who was here for a couple of years. He was the one who signed me, took a chance on me, so a lot of credit has to go back to him.

“He was watching me down at (St Patrick’s) CY for a couple of months and took the chance on me where there was actually no teams really taking a chance on me. There was a new setup there, so he took the chance, thankfully it’s paid off, so I owe a lot to him.”

Now in his fifth season at Dundalk, 27-year-old Kelly is looking forward to a rare trip to Bray, as The Lilywhites bid to reach the FAI Cup’s last-eight for the 13th year running.

“That’s actually going to be my first time going back there since I played for them,” he added.

“I’ve only known playing at home there for Bray. I think the pitch is decent, my mam and dad were at a match last week, and the pitch is looking good, so it will suit us.

“Hopefully we just get through. Obviously my main priority next week is get through to the next round. You’re in the quarters then, and only two games away from the Aviva.

“We’ve obviously had a chat about it. It’s probably the best day of the year, especially with your family and friends there, and 35,000 maybe at the Aviva, so that’s our goal.”

Kelly played in the FAI Cup against Dundalk for Crumlin United in 2016 and came off the substitutes’ bench at the Aviva Stadium three years later, when following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, Dundalk lost on penalties to Shamrock Rovers in the 2019 showpiece.

However, he and Dundalk weren’t to be denied in 2020, as under Filippo Giovagnoli, they won the competition’s 100th final, this time beating Rovers 4-2 after extra-time.

That game was played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Kelly would love nothing more than to pick up his second winners’ medal on November 12th.

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“Obviously the Cup, there’s a different feeling (than the League), because you’re trying to get to the Aviva, it’s the biggest day of the year.

“Obviously, you want to be back there. I think the last time we were there was 2020, when we won the cup. I’ve watched it the last couple of years, and hopefully I won’t be watching, but I’ll be playing in it this year.

“I know we lost it in 2019, but it’s just a different feel for it when there’s a big crowd there, and your family and friends and stuff are there.

“Our goal is to try and get back to the Cup final, and with that group of lads out there, there’s no reason why we can’t.”