Kerry FC approved to join League of Ireland in 2023

Kerry Football Club have been successful in their application to compete in the SSE Airtricity League, bringing senior football to the Kingdom in 2023.

The club has been backed by former league player Billy Dennehy and American-based directors Steven Conway and Brian Ainscough.

They will play in Tralee's Mounthawk Park next season with the ground undergoing renovations to bring it up to First Division standard.

In a statement, Kerry FC said: "It has been a dream for many years to provide the highest level of senior football in the Kingdom of Kerry. Being able to provide this full pathway for all soccer players in Kerry is something that the soccer community has always longed for.

"We are at a new dawn and have never been as excited to begin this journey. It has been a little over 20 years since Kerry first played on the national stage at the U-21 level vs Waterford United under the lights at Mounthawk Park and we are very much looking forward to bringing those Friday night lights back for the players and community.

"There has been so much work that has gone into this journey, and we would like to also take this moment to thank all members of the Kerry District League for your support, this was not possible without you."

The club also thanked the FAI and a host of figures involved in setting up the club.

Kerry FC will host a press event tomorrow to announce more details.

Waterford, Treaty United, Cobh Ramblers, Athlone Town, Finn Harps, Galway United, Bray Wanderers, Wexford Youths and Longford Town will make up the rest of the division.

Meanwhile all 10 clubs in competing in the top flight have been awarded Premier Division licences

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