KING KENNY
New Ireland boss Stephen offers hope amidst the darkness of lockdown
NEW Ireland boss Stephen Kenny urged fans to keep the faith, declaring: ‘There are better days ahead’.
Kenny will relish leading the senior team ahead of a hectic nine-game schedule in September, October and November.
But he claims he can’t yet celebrate his new job because of the Covid-19 pandemic and instead sent a message of support to front line workers.
“It’s a good day but we’re not in celebratory mode,” he said yesterday.
“Our thoughts are with the front line workers, the doctors, the nurses, the paramedics, everyone really. The self sacrifice is heroic and we really support them.
“We have to stay safe and look after each other.
“There is a lot of tragedy throughout Europe and in Ireland people have been very disciplined throughout the country and hopefully we get
the benefits from that.
“A lot of people have lost their lives of course and our thoughts are with them.
“There are better days ahead and we can look forward in a sporting context to an incredible, unprecedented year.
“Nine games between September and November is an incredible schedule and a very exciting year.”
Kenny paid tribute to outgoing manager Mccarthy, adding: “Mick has had a tremendous career as captain of Ireland and manager of Ireland on two occasions.
“He leaves a legacy behind him. It’s just unfortunate with the cancellation of matches. He is revered in Ireland.”
Meanwhile, FAI chief Gary Owens refused to deny that Mccarthy will get a reported €1 million bonus if Ireland reach the Euros.
He is already getting a €1.13 million ‘exit fee’ from the association under the terms of the deal agreed with John Delaney in late 2018.
Owens said yesterday: “We would honour Mick’s contract but if we qualify for the Euros we won’t really have a financial problem because it is quite lucrative for us to qualify.
“I’d be happy to pay all the bonuses that people deserve if we qualify.”