Breaking Stephen Kenny pens five-year deal to manage St Patrick's Athletic

Former Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has been confirmed as the new manager of St Patrick's Athletic.

The 52-year-old former Dundalk manager returns to League of Ireland management after a five-year absence, having led the Ireland Under-21s and then the men's senior team.

Kenny has signed a contract at Richmond Park to take him to the end of the 2029 season.

He takes over from Jon Daly, who was sacked nine days ago.

Kenny has returned to the club where he started his League of Ireland coaching journey, as manager of the Saints Under-21 team during the 1997-98 season before moving into his first senior role as Longford Town boss.

Kenny enjoyed FAI Cup success with the Midlands club before winning more silverware at Bohemians and Derry City, which led to a move to the Scottish Premiership with Dunfermline.

Kenny returned to the League of Ireland again at the Brandywell and then moved to Dundalk following a brief stint in charge at Shamrock Rovers.

Success at Dundalk earned Kenny international recognition where he was handed the reins of the Ireland Under-21s before taking over the senior role, which he held for three years.

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

"(St Pat's chairman) 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 to 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