Mike Quirke departs Kerry management team after three years

All-Ireland winning coach Mike Quirke has stepped away from the Kerry management set-up after a three-year stint.

The former Kerry midfielder confirmed his departure in a message posted on X this morning, describing his time in the role as "largely enjoyable."

"Very grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a storied and passionate football community," he added.

"While I'll no longer be on the sidelines, I remain an ardent supporter of Kerry football, and look forward to cheering on the team in the seasons ahead."

Quirke, formerly manager of Laois, joined Jack O'Connor's management team upon the latter's return to the role in late 2021, subsequently guiding the Kingdom to an All-Ireland title in their first season in charge in 2022.

The county fell short of a first back-to-back success since 2006-07 after a two-point loss to Dublin in the 2023 All-Ireland final and their 2024 campaign ended with a surprise defeat to a resurgent Armagh after extra-time in last month's All-Ireland semi-final.

O'Connor remains in charge of Kerry for the 2025 season, having agreed to two further years after the 2023 All-Ireland final defeat.

"This management has another year in its contract or whatever so we'll hopefully see that out," O'Connor said in the aftermath of the loss to Armagh.

Quirke won three All-Ireland titles as a player with Kerry, two of which were won under O'Connor's stewardship in 2004 and 2009.

Prior to his involvement with the Kerry management team, he managed Laois for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns.