A look into the Kingdom ahead of the 2024 season
2023 was a landmark year for football in Kerry as they entered the League of Ireland and the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division for the first time.
The biggest memory from the year will be the crowds that flocked to Mounthawk Park for the maiden year.
Kerry has traditionally been a sporting capital of Ireland and it was essential that the Kingdom had a presence in our League.
Though the results may not have been what was totally desired, there was no doubt that the competitiveness of the side grew from week to week and by the second half of the year, Billy Dennehy’s side were in every game and even had that famous first win in Athlone.
With their first full year behind them, it’s now time to put all their energy into building a side that the Kingdom can continue to flock to each week.
They do so under the watchful eye of young Head Coach Conor McCarthy, who at 25, became the youngest ever Head Coach in the League of Ireland in a full-time permanent capacity.
Some feat for a man so young, but he’ll be looking to grab the opportunity with both hands and cement some history for himself in 2024.
He embarks on the journey along with some existing faces from the 2023 side and some new ones too as Ferdia O’Brien joins Kerry after switching GAA for football.
Amongst the existing players, McCarthy will be delighted to have secured the future of Ryan Kelliher who impressed with delightful goals in 2023 as well as Sean McGrath who became a firm fan favourite.
They’ll be hoping that the additions of Andy Spain as well as Steven Healy and Daire McCarthy who come in on loan from Galway United will be able to impact Kerry’s fortunes in 2024.
Securing the long-term future of Kennedy Amechi also gives the impression of a Club knowing to work with the bright new talent coming up within their ranks and an even better year is to be expected from Amechi this season.
With a heavy Munster focus in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division in 2024, there will be some big battles awaiting the Kerry side and first up there will be a bit of history in itself.
Kerry travel to Cork City for the first time which brings a new chapter of sporting rivalry to Munster and should be a memorable opening night in Turner’s Cross and each time they play eachother.
Through all the Derbies, Kerry will be looking to make a dent in the win record this year and bring some memorable nights to Mounthawk Park in 2024.
Finish last season – 10th
Head Coach – Conor McCarthy
Key player – Andy Spain
