Keane confirmed in Kerry as Cody stays on for a 21st year

PETER KEANE was confirmed as the new Kerry senior football manager on a three-year term at a county board meeting in Tralee last night.

County chairman Tim Murphy revealed that the committee charged with finding the new boss met “four or five” candidates before settling on Keane, who guided the county to three consecutive minor All-Ireland titles in recent seasons.

Delegates voted unanimously in favour of the 47-year-old St Mary’s clubman who brings a strong backroom team with him, including Kerry great Maurice Fitzgerald who also served under outgoing manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice.

Tommy Griffin (Dingle) and James Foley (Kilcummin) are also part of the set-up along with coach Donie Buckley, who most recently worked with the Mayo footballers.

As expected, Joe O’Connor, who acted as the county’s strength and conditioning coach in 2017, will not be part of the set-up, with a replacement to be finalised in the coming weeks.

While insisting that Keane and his selectors represent a strong management team, Murphy called for patience as they look to turn the potential of five consecutive All-Ireland-winning minor sides into success at senior level.

Elsewhere, Brian Cody was confirmed as Kilkenny senior hurling manager for a 21st season. Derek Lyng and James McGarry continue as selectors with Michael Dempsey serving as trainer.