LAST UPDATE | 19 Dec 2022
BILLY DENNEHY HAS been named as Kerry FC manager for the 2023 SSE Airtricity First Division season, and the club have also announced their first two signings.
The former League of Ireland star was originally announced as Director of Football for the club, but Dennehy now takes the reins on the sideline.
“The project has been referred to as the brainchild of the Tralee man, who becomes a first-team manager for the first time in his career,” as a statement from Kerry FC reads.
Dennehy, 35, called time on his playing career in 2018. Having previously been on the books of Sunderland and Accrington Stanley (loan) in England, he had a colourful LOI journey on these shores, representing Derry City, Cork City, Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and Limerick. He enjoyed domestic success at Rovers, and donned the green jersey of Ireland up to U23 level.
OUR MANAGER ⚽️⚽️⚽️
— Kerry Football Club (@KerryFC) December 19, 2022
It didn't take much convincing!
Our Director of Football Billy Dennehy will take charge of our senior squad in the 2023 SSE Airtricity @LeagueofIreland First Division! pic.twitter.com/pzGeh9iMwT
“I am delighted to be named as the manager of the first team for Kerry FC for 2023,” Dennehy said.
“This has been a project that I have been excited about for a long time and to finally see it coming to fruition is something I am immensely proud of.
“To be named as the manager of Kerry FC is something that means a huge amount to me and my family and although I know it will be a huge challenge I am confident that Kerry FC will be extremely competitive in the 2023 season.”
Kerry FC are ramping up preparations for their debut campaign, which kicks off against Cobh Ramblers at Mounthawk Park on 17 February. The club have announced their first two signings to the senior squad.
Kerry natives Matt Keane and Sean McGrath have put pen to paper on deals which will see them don the green for 2023.
Killarney man Keane signs from Treaty United, having made 26 appearances in the division since signing for the Limerick-based side in 2021.
The central midfielder played over 1500 First Division minutes last season.
“I am over the moon to sign for Kerry FC and to be able to play SSE Airtricity First Division football at home is something I have dreamed about for a long time. I have been following the project very closely and when I got the call from Billy (Dennehy), it really was a no-brainer,” he said.
McGrath joins from Cobh Ramblers for the upcoming season. The Kerry FC academy graduate, who also made two appearances for the Republic of Ireland at U16 level, moved to Limerick in search of underage football in 2018 before playing for Cork City’s Under 17s in 2019.
He also played under-19 football for the Rebel Army in 2019 and 2020. McGrath signed for Cobh Ramblers to play senior First Division Football in 2021 and 2022, scoring two goals in 27 appearances from midfield.
He said: “Yeah similar to Matt, to have the opportunity to wear a Kerry FC jersey at senior level is something I have dreamed of since I was young. To line out against my former club Cobh Ramblers in our the first game here at the home of football in Kerry is something I am very much looking forward to.”
