All-Ireland winning Kerry joint-managers Declan Quill and Darragh Long opt to step aside

Declan Quill and Darragh Long have stepped away as Kerry joint-managers weeks after guiding the Kingdom to TG4 All-Ireland football glory.

In a statement, Kerry LGFA said they accepted the duo's decision "with sadness" and thanked the management team for their efforts.

The pinnacle of Quill and Long's tenure came on 4 August when Kerry ended a 31-year All-Ireland senior drought with a 3-14 to 0-11 victory over Galway in the final at Croke Park.

Although they had enjoyed Lidl National League success in 2023, Quill and Long had initially considered stepping aside after that year's All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin which had marked a second runner-up finish in the Championship after also losing to Meath in the 2022 decider.

But their decision to stay in charge was ultimately rewarded with the 2024 Championship triumph.

"I want to sincerely thank Darragh and Declan and all the members of the backroom team for a wonderful five years," said Kerry LGFA chairperson Nora Fealey.

"From the very start the management had the betterment of Kerry Ladies at the core of everything that they did.

"As a result they gained the trust and respect of all those with whom they worked. They have accomplished all that can be achieved in our sport and have given the next generation of players and supporters a vision of the rewards that can be achieved through talent, hard work, commitment and dedication."