Stephen Kenny is new St Pat’s manager

FORMER Ireland boss Stephen Kenny is the new manager of St Patrick’s Athletic it has been confirmed.

The Inchicore club confirmed on Thursday morning that Kenny will take over the Airtricity League side in a five-year deal which will see him manage the side until the end of the 2029 season.

Kenny left the Ireland position back in November, after a three-year reign, after the side failed to qualify for Euro 2024.

A former Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town manager, Kenny is familiar with the Airtricity League having won five Premier Division titles, a League of Ireland First Division, three FAI Cups, six League Cups, two Leinster Senior Cups and one President’s Cup.

He takes over the Pat’s post from Jon Daly from Clondalkin who was sacked last week having guided the Super Saints to the FAI Cup title in November.

New St Patrick’s Athletic manager Stephen Kenny

Stephen from Tallaght told the St Pat’s website: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, I’m looking forward to getting started, it’s a new chapter in my life and a new chapter for the club, and I’ll be giving it everything.

“Garrett Kelleher has shared his vision for the club with me for a long time, he has plans for the Stadium, to expand the club into America, European progression and a lot of exciting plans really.

“The reason I signed a longer contract is the build the club over a period of time and I’m looking forward to driving it forward.

“My mother used to come to watch St Pat’s, she’s from Inchicore and lived in Ballyfermot, so there’s a good connection there.

“It’s a big job ahead to re-build and to drive the club on. It’s such a busy time now with three games in a week and we look forward to it.”

St Patrick’s Athletic play Derry City, Kenny’s former club, in Richmond Park on Friday evening.