Donegal punished a 14-man Kerry with a clinical 2-20 to 0-16 victory at Fitzgerald Stadium, their third win over the Kingdom in 2026. This comprehensive defeat leaves Kerry facing a qualifier route after a rare home championship loss.

4 related posts

Final Score: Kerry 0-16, Donegal 2-20 ·
Date: 23 May 2026 ·
Venue: Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney ·
Key Moment: Ciaran Moore early goal ·
Red Card: Kerry player sent off ·
Attendance: 21,738

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact time of the red card (not yet published in official minute-by-minute)
  • Possible disciplinary actions from the match — CCCC may review
  • Attendance figure may be updated after official GAA accounting
3Timeline signal
  • 13:45 throw-in — Donegal take lead through Moore goal
  • Half-time: Donegal 1-10, Kerry 0-8
  • 50th min: Tony Brosnan two-pointer cuts deficit to 1-14 to 0-11
  • Second-half red card shifts momentum
  • 76th min: Shea Malone goal seals win
4What’s next
  • Donegal advance in All-Ireland SFC; next opponent TBD
  • Kerry face a qualifier route after rare home defeat
  • Replay available on GAA+ (€15) and RTÉ Player highlights
  • Possible disciplinary hearing for the sending off

The pattern: Donegal now hold a 3-0 clean sweep over Kerry for the 2026 season, including a 13-point league final victory.

Match details at a glance
Detail Value
Competition All-Ireland SFC Round 1
Date 23 May 2026
Venue Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
Half-time score Donegal 1-10, Kerry 0-8
Final score Donegal 2-20, Kerry 0-16
Red cards 1 (Kerry)
Referee Sean Hurson (Tyrone)
Attendance 21,738

What channel is Kerry vs Donegal on?

Is the match on free-to-air TV?

  • No live coverage on terrestrial television in Ireland for this specific fixture (RTÉ Sport (editorial report))
  • Available exclusively on GAA+ for €15 (GAA.ie (official streaming partner))
  • Coverage starts at 14:00 Irish time on 23 May 2026

Can I stream it online?

  • GAA+ is the official streaming partner — subscription required (GAA.ie (official platform))
  • No BBC iPlayer or RTÉ Player coverage for this match (RTÉ Video (broadcast archive))
  • Radio coverage may be available on local stations (Raidió na Gaeltachta, Highland Radio)
  • ClubberTV offers some county matches but not this fixture
Bottom line: Fans wanting to watch Kerry vs Donegal live must use GAA+ at €15, as no free-to-air TV option exists in Ireland.

Who won, Kerry or Donegal today?

What was the final score?

  • Donegal 2-20, Kerry 0-16 (RTÉ Sport (official report))
  • Donegal win by 10 points (The Irish Times (match analysis))
  • Ciaran Moore scored an early goal for Donegal
  • Shea Malone added a late goal four minutes from end (RTÉ Sport (timeline))

How did Donegal secure the win?

Donegal led 1-10 to 0-8 at half-time and never looked back. Kerry’s second-half red card tilted momentum decisively — Donegal outscored Kerry 1-10 to 0-8 after the sending off (RTÉ Sport (match analysis)). The match was described as ill-tempered by RTÉ, with three Donegal wins over Kerry in 2026 — including a 13-point league final victory earlier in the season.

The implication: Donegal’s strategy of early goals and disciplined play against 14 men has given them a psychological edge over the Kingdom this season.

Where can I watch the Kerry match today?

What are the streaming options?

  • GAA+ is the official streaming partner — €15 subscription required (GAA.ie (official platform))
  • No BBC iPlayer or RTÉ Player coverage for this match
  • Radio coverage may be available on local stations

Is there a radio broadcast?

  • Highland Radio (Donegal) and Radio Kerry may provide commentary
  • Raidio na Gaeltachta also covers some GAA fixtures
The catch: International viewers face the same paywall as Irish fans, with no free alternatives for live viewing.

Where can I watch GAA live today?

What other GAA matches are on today?

  • Other GAA fixtures may be available on RTÉ or BBC iPlayer (RTÉ Sport (other fixtures))
  • ClubberTV offers some county matches
  • GAAGO also streams international games

Are there any free alternatives?

  • No free streaming for this specific match
  • Highlights may appear on RTÉ Player later
  • Other GAA matches may be available on free-to-air

How did Donegal dismantle Kerry in Killarney?

What were the key moments?

Donegal’s tactical discipline and Kerry’s red card created a one-sided second half.

Time Event Impact
13:45 Throw-in Game begins at Fitzgerald Stadium
First half Ciaran Moore goal Donegal take early lead
Half-time Donegal 1-10, Kerry 0-8 Donegal lead by 5
50th min Tony Brosnan two-pointer Kerry cut deficit to 1-14 to 0-11
Second half Kerry red card Donegal dominate
76th min Shea Malone goal Donegal seal win

What this means: Donegal’s ability to maintain intensity against a reduced Kerry side proved decisive, with a 1-10 to 0-8 scoring differential after the red card.

How did the red card affect the game?

Kerry played with 14 men for much of the second half. Donegal outscored them 1-10 to 0-8 after the sending off (RTÉ Sport (match analysis)). The match was described as ill-tempered by RTÉ, with referee Sean Hurson issuing multiple cards.

What’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Donegal won 2-20 to 0-16
  • Match played 23 May 2026
  • No terrestrial TV coverage
  • Attendance 21,738

What’s unclear

  • Exact time of red card
  • Possible disciplinary actions
  • Attendance update pending

Quotes from the match

“We knew coming down here it would be a battle. We got the early goal and settled into it. The lads were brilliant after the sending off — we took over.”

Donegal manager (post-match) — RTÉ Sport

“We can’t give a team like Donegal a start like that, especially in Killarney. The red card was a killer. We never recovered.”

Summary

Donegal’s third win over Kerry in 2026 is their most emphatic yet — a 10-point demolition in Killarney that leaves no doubt about the trajectory of this championship. For Kerry, the choice is clear: regroup in the qualifiers and learn from a rare home defeat, or face a long summer of what-if questions. Donegal now march forward with momentum and a statement win that will define their championship campaign.

Related reading: Munster v Leinster on TV: Channel, Time & Live Stream · Chiefs vs Lions Match Player Stats: Final Score & Drama

Additional sources

facebook.com, youtube.com, facebook.com, notices.mce.ca.gov

For context on the tense atmosphere surrounding the match, the Healy-Rae incident before the final offers a striking account of what happened outside Croke Park.

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Frequently asked questions

What time did the Kerry vs Donegal match start?

Throw-in was at 13:45 Irish time on 23 May 2026 at Fitzgerald Stadium.

Did any Kerry player get a red card?

Yes — a Kerry player was sent off in the second half, leaving them with 14 men for the remainder of the match.

How can I watch the match replay?

The full match replay is available on GAA+ for €15. Highlights may appear on RTÉ Player.

Who scored for Donegal?

Ciaran Moore scored the opening goal, Shea Malone added a second-half goal. The full scoring list is in the RTÉ match report.

Is the Kerry vs Donegal match available on BBC iPlayer?

No — this match is not available on BBC iPlayer or RTÉ Player. GAA+ is the exclusive partner.

What is the GAA+ subscription cost?

GAA+ costs €15 per match or €50 for a season pass — check gaa.ie for current pricing.

What is the head-to-head record between Kerry and Donegal?

Donegal now lead the 2026 series 3-0, including wins in the Allianz Football League final and this championship opener.