Kerry FC to join the First Division
Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
The League of Ireland will have a new face in it next season, with Kerry FC joining the First Division.
Their introduction will see the second-tier have 10 teams in it once more following the recent departure of Cabinteely in 2021.
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the club confirmed that they have been successful in their application to obtain a license to compete in the First Division.
"Kerry Football Club is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its application to secure an SSE Airtricity First Division License for the 2023 League of Ireland Season," it read.
"It has been a dream for many years to provide the highest level of senior football in the Kingdom of Kerry. Being able to provide this full pathway for all soccer players in Kerry is something that the soccer community has always longed for.
"We are at a new dawn and have never been as excited to begin this journey. It has been a little over 20 years since Kerry first played on the national stage at the U21 level vs Waterford United under the lights at Mounthawk Park and we are very much looking forward to bringing those Friday Night Lights back for the players and community.
"There has been so much work that has gone into this journey, and we would like to also take this moment to thank all members of the Kerry District League for your support, this was not possible without you.
"Thank you to Mark Scanlon and his team at the FAI for providing ample support for this project and guidance through the Licensing Process. Last and not least, our own team, led by former League of Ireland star Billy Dennehy, Steven Conway, Brian Ainscough, Sean O Keeffe, Geraldine Nagle and our Club Licensing Officer, Adrien King in making this dream become a reality for the whole of Kerry."
