The scale of Kerry FC's challenge was laid bare when early pace setters Galway United ruthlessly dispatched them by 9-1 in Eamon Deacy Park.
He dusted himself off and dispatched the resulting penalty with aplomb. The two combined three minutes later to make it six. From this, United broke and Borden was clean through from the half-way line. Kerry boss Billy Dennehy made a triple substitution at the break. McCarthy's hat-trick came on the stroke of half-time. Regan Donelon stood the resulting free up for Rob Slevin to power home.
It was a night to forget for new boys Kerry FC as they fell to a crushing 9-1 defeat against Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.
In Friday's other fixture, Finn Harps and Wexford FC played out a 0-0 stalemate at Finn Park. Shane Griffin netted the only goal on 15 minutes. Samuel Aladesanusi did get a consolation for Kerry on 65 minutes but the hosts were 6-0 up at that stage.