Billy Dennehy steps aside at Kerry as Conor McCarthy becomes new Head Coach

New Kerry boss Conor McCarthy

New Kerry boss Conor McCarthy Credit: Adam Kowalczyk

First Division basement side Kerry have confirmed that former first team coach Conor McCarthy will become the club’s new Head Coach.

And he will replace boss Billy Dennehy in the dugout who will now return to his position as Sporting Director ahead of next season.

McCarthy will be aided in his new role by James Sugrue and Del O’Shea. 

“I think now is the best time to move into the Sporting Director role which was the original position that I was coming into the club as,” Dennehy said upon the announcement.

“Before the start of last season, things happened so quickly that I was asked to take the manager role of the first team. 

“But it was always the intention to be the Sporting Director and have more of an overview of the whole club rather than one particular area. 

“James Sugrue is somebody that I started this journey with 6 years ago and we used to speak about being a League of Ireland club one day and now here we are. 

“I’m very proud for him to develop into this role along with Conor as Head Coach with his development as well. I’m very proud of the group for the work they put in last year.”

And new Kerry boss McCarthy added: “This is a very proud moment for me and my family and I am very grateful for the club’s backing and support. 



“This is a very exciting opportunity and one I can’t wait to get started with. I am immensely proud to have been involved with Kerry FC over the previous five years. 

“The club has made huge strides forward in a very short period of time. I, along with the players and staff will look to keep pushing Kerry FC in the right direction.”

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