Stephen Kenny appointed as new St Pat's boss

St Patrick's Athletic have unveiled the appointment of Stephen Kenny as their new first-team manager on a five-and-a-half year deal. 

The former Dundalk, Bohemians, Derry City and Longford Town boss was most recently in charge of the Ireland senior international team. 

But he has returned to the dugout in time for St Pat's weekend double header of fixtures against Derry City and Shelbourne.

He will stay at the club until the end of the 2029 season as per his contract.

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind, I'm looking forward to getting started," Kenny said. "It's a new chapter in my life and a new chapter for the club, and I'll be giving it everything.

"Garrett Kelleher has shared his vision for the club with me for a long time, he has plans for the Stadium, to expand the club into America, European progression and a lot of exciting plans really.

"The reason I signed a longer contract is the build the club over a period of time and I'm looking forward to driving it forward.

"My mother used to come to watch St Pat's, she's from Inchicore and lived in Ballyfermot, so there's a good connection there.

"It's a big job ahead to re-build and to drive the club on. It's such a busy time now with three games in a week and we look forward to it."