Realistic Stephen Kenny committed to long-term St Pat's project

St Patrick's Athletic have made a huge statement of intent with the appointment of Stephen Kenny, while his five-and-half year contract suggests he is only two games into a very ambitious project.

Kenny, with an illustrious career in the League of Ireland, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success that is unmatched in domestic football.

This move signals a new era of ambition and intent for St Pat's, as they aim to establish themselves as perennial title contenders and recurring participants in European competitions over the coming years.

Kenny's CV is impressive.

His managerial career is marked with five Premier Division titles, one First Division title, three FAI Cups, and six League Cups.

His most notable achievement came in 2016 when he guided Dundalk to the Europa League group stages, an incredible feat that was a lot harder to achieve back then compared to now.

Kenny's ability to foster success at Dundalk and his subsequent rise through the Ireland Under-21s to manage the national team at senior level underscore his exceptional managerial abilities and leadership qualities.

It's no surprise that the ex-Ireland boss was the top candidate for St Pat's. His reputation in the domestic game precedes him, evidenced by the interest shown from Bohemians and Dundalk earlier this season during their managerial changes.

Both clubs, aware of Kenny’s capabilities, sought his expertise to guide their teams through turbulent times.

However, after turning down both clubs with suggestions made that he was seeking work in the UK or on the continent, it was St Pat's who emerged victorious in securing his services, a testament to their ambitious project and long-term vision.

Under the stewardship of club owner Garrett