Stephen Kenny has been announced as the new manager of St. Patrick's Athletic.
The 52-year-old has signed a contract at Richmond Park to take him to the end of the 2029 season.
Indeed, Kenny returns to club management, having managed Ireland senior and U21 teams since 2019.
Whereas, Kenny began his coaching career at St Pat's, leading the U21 team to an AUL league title in 1997/1998.
The Dubliner, became the youngest manager in League of Ireland history (at the time); at 26-years of age with Longford Town.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind” explained Kenny. “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” added Kenny. “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."
Kenny 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.
Most succesful league of Ireland manager
Kenny has also managed Bohemians, Derry City, Dunfermline Athletic, Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk, Ireland U21s and the senior men's national team.
Whereas, the Dubliner has managed almost 1,000 professional matches, including 40 as Republic of Ireland boss.
Indeed, as well as his experiences at both League of Ireland and International level; Kenny 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.
