Former Cork City boss and Republic of Ireland women's assistant coach Colin Healy has been appointed as manager of Kerry FC.
The 45-year-old succeeds Conor McCarthy at the helm of the Tralee-based side, who are ninth in the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division after last Friday's 1-0 win at UCD, with Kerry FC CEO Billy Dennehy saying that Healy's appointment as first team manager "marks a significant step in our short history".
McCarthy, however, will remain at the club as part of Healy's coaching staff - the 26-year-old having become the youngest League of Ireland manager when he was appointed ahead of the 2024 season.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my coaching development at Kerry FC. Working alongside Colin Healy will be an invaluable experience, and I look forward to contributing to the club’s success in a new capacity," McCarthy said.
Speaking after being announced as manager, Healy said he was keen to build on the progress made at Kerry in what is their third season at senior League of Ireland level.
"The last year has been the toughest of my life since losing my wife, Kelly. During that time, my main focus has been to help my two young children cope with the loss of their mother and help them find some form of normality," said the former Celtic, Sunderland, Ipswich and Cork City midfielder.
"On behalf of my family, I would sincerely like to thank every person who has supported me privately and publicly.
"Kerry is a very special sporting county, and the club has made incredible strides over the past few years.
"During our conversations, Billy Dennehy's passion and unwavering dedication to the continued growth of the game in Kerry has been so impressive. In combination with John Wall’s support, I believe Kerry FC are at the beginning of a very special journey, and I will do everything I can to help build on the exceptional work which has already been done at the club. I am very grateful for the opportunity and feel so hungry to get going."
Healy's appointment at Kerry marks his first role since his time in the Ireland women's senior set-up came to an end.
The Corkman had criticised the process in which he was removed from the assistant manager's role, claiming he had been informed just weeks before the decision that there would be a recommendation that his contract be extended.
The FAI's outgoing chief football officer Marc Canham subsequently promised to learn from the acrimonious episode, saying there was "deep regret" within the FAI over the affair.
Healy's first match in charge at Kerry will be this Friday's home fixture against Treaty United at Mounthawk Park.
