KERRY GAA HAVE confirmed that senior hurling manager Eamonn Kelly will not seek a further term in charge of the Kingdom.
The Tipperary native has been in charge since 2013, but informed Kerry County Committee chairman Patrick O’Sullivan of his intention to step down from the position.
Kerry have had a highly positive year under Kelly, earning promotion into Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League with a win over Antrim in Parnell Park in April.
Kelly’s side went on to lift the Christy Ring Cup in June after beating Derry in Croke Park, and can now look forward with excitement to playing in the Liam McCarthy Cup in 2016.
There will, however, be a new man in charge for that challenge.
When I took on the job just over a year and a half ago, I did so for a two year period and I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” said Kelly in a Kerry GAA statement this evening.
“I was fortunate to be dealing with a fantastic group of players who were eager to progress and whoever takes over will have a great bunch of guys to work with. I wish them well in the future.
“I also want to thank the people who worked with me, the likes of Brian Horgan, Conor Gleeson, Damian Ryall, Tom O’Connell, D.J. Leahy, Brendan Cummins and the rest of the backroom staff and I wish Kerry Hurling the very best of luck as the County goes forward to achieve higher goals in the coming year.”
Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan praised the impact Kelly had on Kerry hurling during his tenure:
“I want to put on record my thanks to Eamonn for what he achieved during his short stay with Kerry,” said O’Sullivan. “He took over at a difficult time but he quickly got the players believing in him and in what he hoped to achieve.
His record with Kerry speaks for itself; Two Division 2A League Titles, promotion to Division 1B of the League, a Christy Ring title and hurling in the All Ireland Championship next season.
“Eamonn Kelly would be an asset to any County and I wish him the very best of luck in his future hurling career.”
