Kerry FC take major step towards inclusion in League of Ireland

Kerry Football Club has been accepted into the club licencing process by the Football Association of Ireland, paving the way for senior football to be played in the county next year.

The club has been backed by former league player Billy Dennehy, who hails from the Kingdom, and American-based directors Steven Conway and Brian Ainscough.

In a statement the club said: "It has been a dream for many years to provide the highest level of senior football in the Kingdom and Kerry FC hope to be successful in our bid to bring League of Ireland football to Mounthawk Park in February 2023."

They added: "We have been working with the Kerry District League for many months now to realise this dream and complete the player pathway for the players of Kerry after six years competing in the underage National Leagues.

"The people of Kerry have always been proud of their appetite to compete at the highest level in all sports and we hope to provide this full pathway for all those players representing Kerry Football Club.

"Kerry FC believe that a successful application will offer real opportunity to promote our game in the Kerry region as we look forward to bringing the biggest clubs in Irish football to our county.

"Now that the licensing process is underway, we welcome all offers of support as we share this exciting journey with the people of Kerry."

The club say more information will be shared over time. The FAI licencing process is completed over the off-season to determine the line-ups for the Premier and First Divisions.

Nine teams compete in the second tier as it stands, following the merger of Bray Wanderers and Cabinteely, leaving a vacancy for Kerry if they comes through the process successfully.

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