General
- Thursday May 16th, 2024 @ 10:50
Stephen Kenny Named St Patrick's Athletic Manager
St Patrick's Athletic are thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephen Kenny as First Team Manager.
The 52-year-old returns to League of Ireland management after five years working in international football, and has signed a contract at Richmond Park to take him to the end of the 2029 season.
Kenny began his coaching career at St Pat's, leading our U21 team to an AUL league title in 1997/1998, before becoming the youngest manager in National League history (at the time) at the age of 26 with Longford Town.
Stephen has also managed Bohemians, Derry City, Dunfermline Athletic, Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk, Republic of Ireland U21s and the Republic of Ireland Senior Men's National Team.
He is the most successful Manager in League of Ireland history, 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 during his 27-year managerial career, so far.
He has managed almost 1,000 professional matches, including 40 as Republic of Ireland boss.
As well as his experiences at both League of Ireland and International level, Stephen also led Dundalk to the Europa League group stages in 2016, via the Champions League play-off round.
Kenny has been named PFAI Manager of the Year on four occasions, as well as the Philips Sports Manager of the Year and RTE Sports Manager of the Year in 2016.
Stephen said:
"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."
Watch Stephen's first interview as St Patrick's Athletic Manager on our Youtube channel now.
St Patrick's Athletic Chairman Garrett Kelleher welcomed Stephen to Richmond Park.
"We are delighted that Stephen has committed to St Patrick's Athletic for the next 6 seasons.
As the most successful Manager in League of Ireland history, we feel he is the perfect person to lead the club forward, both on and off the pitch.
I also believe it is a boost for the domestic game, that someone with Stephen's ability to identify and nurture talent, acuity for the game, dedication and leadership has decided to stay in Ireland and commit his future to St Patrick's Athletic FC."
Stephen's first game in charge will be against Derry City at Richmond Park this Friday, before another home match against Shelbourne next Monday.
Tickets for both matches are on sale now via the St Patrick's Athletic website HERE
