Gaelic Games

Peter Keane says Kerry players’ wishes were not considered in his exit

Outgoing manager wanted to remain in charge but county board decided otherwise

Outgoing Kerry manager Peter Keane. Photo: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Fri Oct 1 2021 - 14:22

Outgoing Kerry manager Peter Keane has said that he wanted to remain in the position and had the backing of his players to do so but those wishes were not taken into account by the county board who have appointed Jack O’Connor instead.

Keane’s tenure as manager of the Kingdom came to an end with a narrow loss to Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final this year and, in a statement released on Friday, he says that was the reason for him being replaced.

Keane also said that the players told the county board they would like him to stay on but “their wishes do not appear to have been considered”.

“Losing the semi-final by one point in extra time to the eventual All-Ireland winners, led to a decision to end the work we had started and the momentum we had built,” the statement reads.

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“I know the players very much wanted us to continue with our project. They were the reason I wanted to stay. We were a united Kerry team with a great sense of purpose and ambition. All the players communicated to the County Board sub-committee their strong preference for the present management to be retained. It’s most disappointing that their wishes do not appear to have been considered in the decision-making process.”

Keane went on to pay tribute to his coaching staff, his players and his family over what has been “two very unusual GAA seasons” affected by the pandemic.

Full statement from Peter Keane

It has been a real honour for me to be have been involved with the Kerry county set-up over the last decade - from Development Squad level, to managing both the minor and senior football teams.

It was great to work with so many of our talented young footballers. To watch their progression - showing potential from young players in development squads was a privilege. To be able to guide them to make the step up to minor level and then onto senior level has been hugely rewarding.

Unfortunately, losing the semi-final by one point in extra time to the eventual All-Ireland winners, led to a decision to end the work we had started and the momentum we had built. I know the players very much wanted us to continue with our project. They were the reason I wanted to stay. We were a united Kerry team with a great sense of purpose and ambition.

All the players communicated to the County Board sub-committee their strong preference for the present management to be retained. It’s most disappointing that their wishes do not appear to have been considered in the decision-making process.

The players are a credit to their families, partners, clubs, and communities. I wish them every success in the future as they start out again.

It has been a very tough time for everyone over the last while. During my term, we had two very unusual GAA seasons. It was fantastic to start seeing fans back at games again. I will now re-join the Kerry supporters in the stands and the terraces, and I want to thank all the wonderful Kerry supporters who have given us such fantastic backing over the years.

I would also like to pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the backroom teams at minor and senior level over the past six years - especially James Foley, Maurice Fitzgerald, and Tommy Griffin. There are too many others to mention but they all know how much I appreciated their input and friendship.

I’d especially like to thank my wife Siobhán and my three boys for giving me their unwavering and unbelievable support over the years.

Ciarraí Abú.

Peter Keane