Four-time All-Ireland winner and former Footballer of the Year Kieran Donaghy has returned to the fold in his native county, joining Jack O'Connor's management team for the 2026 season.
Kerry GAA confirmed the appointment in a press release today, saying that his "welcome involvement further enhances an already strong support team".
Donaghy had been involved as a high profile selector with Armagh for the past five seasons, helping them to the All-Ireland title in 2024 and eventually departing the set-up in July following the championship exit at the hands of Kerry.
"Five incredible years with Armagh GAA have come to an end, and I walk away full of pride, memories, and deep gratitude," Donaghy said in his statement at the time.
It had been rumoured in the interim that Donaghy was to join Padraic Joyce's management team in Galway, having previously served as a performance coach for the Galway hurlers in 2019 before taking on his role with Armagh.
It was during O'Connor's first stint as Kerry manager that Donaghy made his sensational breakthrough as a county player.
Initially a midfielder, he was switched to full-forward for a last-12 clash against Longford, his explosive performances in the inside forward line helping reignite up the Footballer of the Year prize.
The Austin Stacks player won further All-Ireland medals in 2007, 2009 and 2014. A renowned basketball star, the 44-year old won three Super League titles, first with Tralee Tigers in 2008 and later with Tralee Warriors in 2019 and 2022.
He joins a Kerry set-up that are seeking their first back-to-back triumph since his own playing days, achieved last in 2006-07.
