Kerry FC

[nr637]

All this talk about a Third Tier seems to be a non-starter. Just look at the Ulster Senior League, hopeful of getting up and running again IN 2022/23 with a 7 team league structure. Monaghan United FC have just been announced along with four teams from Donegal, Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic, Letterkenny Rovers and Finn Harps reserves and Derry City reserves in this USL.

https://www.donegaldaily.com/2021/04/29/breaking-monaghan-united-to-join-ulster-senior-league/

If clubs like this are prepared to join this league now, what hope is there for the FAI in attracting new clubs to participate in a third tier of a National League structure?

[legendz]

All this talk about a Third Tier seems to be a non-starter. Just look at the Ulster Senior League, hopeful of getting up and running again IN 2022/23 with a 7 team league structure. Monaghan United FC have just been announced along with four teams from Donegal, Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic, Letterkenny Rovers and Finn Harps reserves and Derry City reserves in this USL.

https://www.donegaldaily.com/2021/04/29/breaking-monaghan-united-to-join-ulster-senior-league/

If clubs like this are prepared to join this league now, what hope is there for the FAI in attracting new clubs to participate in a third tier of a National League structure? If Derry and Finn Harps are content to be in the Ulster SL, it'll save LoI third tier clubs on the journey.
As far as I know, the LSL and MSL are against reserve sides. The USL is an example of starting with a blank canvas. If senior leagues aren't taking in reserve sides, a third tier is the route to take.

[culloty82]

All this talk about a Third Tier seems to be a non-starter. Just look at the Ulster Senior League, hopeful of getting up and running again IN 2022/23 with a 7 team league structure. Monaghan United FC have just been announced along with four teams from Donegal, Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic, Letterkenny Rovers and Finn Harps reserves and Derry City reserves in this USL.

https://www.donegaldaily.com/2021/04/29/breaking-monaghan-united-to-join-ulster-senior-league/

If clubs like this are prepared to join this league now, what hope is there for the FAI in attracting new clubs to participate in a third tier of a National League structure?

TBF, that article is from April last year, and the USL Facebook page mentions Monaghan playing Bonagee in a League Cup Final, so evidently the 2021-22 season must have gone ahead - seems bizarre though that their website appears to have been hijacked by Indonesians!

[nigel-harps1954]

All this talk about a Third Tier seems to be a non-starter. Just look at the Ulster Senior League, hopeful of getting up and running again IN 2022/23 with a 7 team league structure. Monaghan United FC have just been announced along with four teams from Donegal, Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic, Letterkenny Rovers and Finn Harps reserves and Derry City reserves in this USL.

https://www.donegaldaily.com/2021/04/29/breaking-monaghan-united-to-join-ulster-senior-league/

If clubs like this are prepared to join this league now, what hope is there for the FAI in attracting new clubs to participate in a third tier of a National League structure?


TBF, that article is from April last year, and the USL Facebook page mentions Monaghan playing Bonagee in a League Cup Final, so evidently the 2021-22 season must have gone ahead - seems bizarre though that their website appears to have been hijacked by Indonesians!

Ulster Senior League just completed their season fairly recently. Monaghan United done the full season there and finished mid table.
It's been a dying league for a few years now with several clubs that were firm USL sides, Fanad United, Swilly Rovers and my own club Drumkeen United all going back to Donegal League in recent years.

Their website is a mess, and their press is fairly poor as well. I don't see the league surviving if the third tier comes about.

[culloty82]

Looking back on the entire history of the First Division, it transpires that the lowest-ever points tally was a mere 2 recorded by Kilkenny City in 1994-95 (P27 W0 D2 L25, GF14 GA83) , so however rough Kerry might find the going, they should certainly top that mark!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994%E2%80%9395_League_of_Ireland_First_Division

[culloty82]

The only Kerry player in the Premier Division, Gary O'Neill, is expressing caution, as the best potential footballers will always prioritise GAA:

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40910465.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

That said, there is no shortage of underage and senior engagement with the sport in the county, so ultimately, as with previous clubs, it'll be investment and attendances that determine the short and medium-term prospects.

[JC_GUFC]

I'm sure Gary was fairly handy at GAA himself but he chose the football route.

Yes, there will be players who chose GAA over playing for Kerry FC but there are in all counties and in different countries there are different sports vying for the same players.

[Philosophizer]

I'm sure Gary was fairly handy at GAA himself but he chose the football route.

Yes, there will be players who chose GAA over playing for Kerry FC but there are in all counties and in different countries there are different sports vying for the same players.

Gary chose soccer because he came from a staunchly soccer household. His Dad managed the Kerry Kennedy cup team back in the day.

[EatYerGreens]

The only Kerry player in the Premier Division, Gary O'Neill, is expressing caution, as the best potential footballers will always prioritise GAA:

I think the "always" claim is a bit OTT. There is no money (proper money anyway) in GAA, whereas LOI offers a chance to get at least some income from your sport - and even a full-time job out of it if you're good enough. There appears no interest within the GAA to stop being an amateur organisation, so as football grows in the county the need to earn a living will increasingly factor for some. It's not as if the Kerry GAA team are all-conquering these days either, which if they were would make the lean towards GAA stronger.

[sbgawa]

I think the "always" claim is a bit OTT. There is no money (proper money anyway) in GAA, whereas LOI offers a chance to get at least some income from your sport - and even a full-time job out of it if you're good enough. There appears no interest within the GAA to stop being an amateur organisation, so as football grows in the county the need to earn a living will increasingly factor for some. It's not as if the Kerry GAA team are all-conquering these days either, which if they were would make the lean towards GAA stronger.

The majority of the Kerry squad would have cars on loan form car dealers and jobs that allow them time off to train and in many cases got the job because of the GAA.
In the long run the money "earned" from GAA would be more than all but the top echelon of LOI players

[legendz]

The majority of the Kerry squad would have cars on loan form car dealers and jobs that allow them time off to train and in many cases got the job because of the GAA.
In the long run the money "earned" from GAA would be more than all but the top echelon of LOI playersAll valid points. Whether people like it or not, there is a status with being a GAA intercounty player in many counties.

[culloty82]

Yes, you don't change a sporting culture overnight, especially where the pressure to specialise in one comes at an increasingly early age. That said, many of the underage players come from backgrounds where there's no family tradition of Gaelic football, which would be a change from previous generations.

[Philosophizer]

All valid points. Whether people like it or not, there is a status with being a GAA intercounty player in many counties.
The social status would be the biggest factor imo. The cars and jobs are all well and good but the status gained by wearing a Kerry gaa jersey shouldn't be underestimated. Even a lad who's a sub on the Kerry minor team becomes something of a star in his own little town once he's pulled on that jersey.

[sadloserkid]

Limerick had a rake of players from Kerry at one stage around the year we made the playoffs and got demolished up in the Brandywell - Stephen O'Mahony, James Sugrue, (David?) Conway, Timmy Lynch... I'm definitely missing a couple more too. Some of them were handy players, I think O'Mahony got U-19 Irish caps. There was a Goggin but he might have been a few years later and I think that keeper Hennessy who was with Cobh and maybe Waterford around that era was from Kerry too. Add in, more recently, the likes of the two Dennehys, Guthrie, Paudie Quinn... they produce some players, GAA or no GAA. None of that is to downplay the strength of Gaelic in the place but I don't think they'll struggle to fill a team either. The likes of Denis Behan and Sean Brosnan could have been lured in that direction from West Limerick had their been a senior team in Kerry before too.

[pineapple stu]

I think the "always" claim is a bit OTT. There is no money (proper money anyway) in GAA, whereas LOI offers a chance to get at least some income from your sport - and even a full-time job out of it if you're good enough.
How much money do you think Kerry FC will be paying players?

I think in fairness to the GAA too, it has community spirit down pat and playing county (even underage) I'd say means a lot to the guys. I'm not sure Kerry in the LoI can match that side of things. Money isn't everything.

Also what sbgawa said about side benefits of playing GAA. I think you can even claim travel expenses tax free (which you can't with LoI). Certainly I've heard of it happening (which doesn't necessarily mean it's allowed...)

[nigel-harps1954]

GAA is still king in many parts of the country. Several members of the Donegal gaelic football panel have played underage LOI, and even senior LOI, and had their heads turned by the GAA. You'll get a job, quite healthy expenses, and a lot of perks from playing GAA. Some of the same lads in Donegal GAA circles could have made a decent career for themselves out of football as well.

[EatYerGreens]

How much money do you think Kerry FC will be paying players?

The issue was about young people choosing between two different sports. Kerry FC are not the only footballing option in Ireland, nevermind in the world ;)

[pineapple stu]

He's specifically talking about the problems Kerry might have building a competitive local squad though

[culloty82]

In any case, as well as the current underage set-up, you can throw in any interested players from both Killarney clubs, Castleisland and Dynamos, in particular - one can question how long it would take to bring them up to national competitiveness, but with Celtic having had decent Junior Cup runs in recent seasons, there would be plenty in their ranks wanting to try the First Division, I suspect.

[CraftyToePoke]

Matt Keane lining out for us was signed from Killarney is one who they might get. Can't be making a fortune at Treaty & although there aren't UK or even LOI Prem scouts lining up to watch him, he is a solid DIV1 midfielder & a Kerryman. Wouldn't be surprised to see that move happen.

[culloty82]

Not directly related, but this statement by Wexford FC on their new admin structures seems a template that Kerry could follow going into the future - as well as their Supporters Trust, it's proposed that clubs in the Wexford League along with businesses in the county would buy a shareholding in the local LoI club, increasing financial stability:

https://wexfordfc.ie/latest-news/1344-club-statement-14th-july-2022

[Nesta99]

Unless any amount of a cash injection is pressing, i'm not sure about the timing for looking for people to purchase shares. Sounds positive in principle though.

[culloty82]

Rather belatedly, they've cottoned on that the free-scoring form of the U19 squad is their best promotional tool for the considerable future:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1547996814187438087

[culloty82]

Five of the U19 squad called up to train with the Irish U19s this week, which was, after all, the main reason for entering that league:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1549770831911235584

[GUFCghost]

Five of the U19 squad called up to train with the Irish U19s this week, which was, after all, the main reason for entering that league:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1549770831911235584


That's some achievement. Would it be fair to say a player who's good enough for the U19s national team is good enough for the first division?

[legendz]

Five of the U19 squad called up to train with the Irish U19s this week, which was, after all, the main reason for entering that league:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1549770831911235584The FAI have made some comments about wanting to increase the geographical spread of the youth leagues. Kerry FC are a good example of why this is important.
Clare, Tipperary, Meath and Laois - Offaly are probably stand out areas to try and encourage the local district leagues to consider representative teams at youth level.

[culloty82]

That's some achievement. Would it be fair to say a player who's good enough for the U19s national team is good enough for the first division?

It's fair to say that the U19s would be the core of a 2023 First Division squad - admittedly they struggled for results in the first phase of the season, but 46 goals in all competitions shows that scoring hasn't been an issue, so they'd just need to add some more senior defenders and midfielders from the KDL to the mix.

[culloty82]

Another piece in the licence application jigsaw being sought, in the form of a Youth Academy coach with the prerequisite UEFA qualifications:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1550792372900040704

[culloty82]

Among those involved in Kerry's 2010 Kennedy Cup squad were Shane Ryan and the Clifford brothers - who knows, perhaps if David had played as a striker, rather than as a defender, sporting history might have taken a notably different turn ...

[Glen Of Aherlow]

Will they be signing Yerra Mina from Everton ?

[culloty82]

Now that it's August, a look at the timetable that Kerry will have to meet:

August 31st: Completed licence application submitted to FAI.

September 15th: Receive preliminary report stating that all necessary information has been received.

September 30th: All financial documentation must be submitted to the FAI.

September/October: Application is reviewed according to the five licencing categories.

November (Date TBD): Licensing Day.

November: ​Unsuccessful clubs have 5 days within which to appeal.

[EatYerGreens]

November (Date TBD): Licensing Day.

Sky Sports will be misisng a trick if they don't provide live minute-by-minute coverage of LOI Licensing Day.

"Exciting news Jeff - A representative of Galway United has just arrived at Abbotstown brandishing a DVD. Reports that Dundalk are feeling nervous. Maxi last seen at the Applegreen Service Station in Drogheda filling a green can....".

[culloty82]

Samuel Aladesanusi called up to a 30-man Irish U19 squad in the UK this week:

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/mu19-mohan-calls-in-players-for-uk-camp

[EatYerGreens]

Samuel Aladesanusi called up to a 30-man Irish U19 squad in the UK this week:

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/mu19-mohan-calls-in-players-for-uk-camp

Fair play to the lad, as the only one in that panel that isn't attached to a senior football club.

[culloty82]

Damien Locke has been appointed as Head Coach of the Youth Academy - he played for Dynamos during their spell in the A Championship, and more relevantly where the FAI and LoI are concerned he also managed Wexford Youths in 2017:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1556582920378269696

[culloty82]

The Kerryman covers the press briefing:

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/sport/soccer/kerry-fc-snap-up-damian-locke-as-new-head-of-academy-41897731.html

[dansultheman]

The Kerryman covers the press briefing:

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/sport/soccer/kerry-fc-snap-up-damian-locke-as-new-head-of-academy-41897731.html

A good read. A good pick up for Kerry FC to get on board. They also have Brendan Maloney coaching their U17’s. Brendan played a few years in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and had a long spell at Northampton Town, possibly first team manager?.

There is a serious amount lot of pedigree and the age profile of these coaches and being local is fantastic!

[culloty82]

Certainly appears as though the personnel boxes will be ticked off in good time:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1557389983916466178

[legendz]

Certainly appears as though the personnel boxes will be ticked off in good time:

https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1557389983916466178 Promising signs! Ciarraí abú!

[EatYerGreens]

Compare and contrast the way that Kerry FC are going about their business to get everything in order re joining the LOI with the shenanigans of that Irish Sea Border mob a year or so ago - who thought that all you needed to have a senior football team was a load of bizarre press releases and some weird social media activity by an obnoxious kid. Literally like night versus day. Thank god the FAI didn't fall for it.

All being well, I'm looking forward to getting to a game in the Kingdom next season.

[dansultheman]

It gives you every confidence that Kerry FC are going about their business as one should.

Boxes getting ticked and the people who are running the club have the know how to run a proper club. Time will tell but signs are good!

[GUFCghost]

Maybe we're only seeing the process in the open now, but I can't remember this kind of happening when Cabintely went up. If I'm not mistaken, weren't they kind of promoted at the last minute?

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, about six weeks out or something. Shamrock Rovers B pulled out.

[EatYerGreens]

The Kerry FC process of joining the league is a proper courtship, whereas Cabinteely's elevation was a shotgun wedding.

[culloty82]

With Killarney Celtic poised to complete another local league and cup double this evening, it will be interesting to see what attitude their players would take towards a senior Kerry team - on the one hand, they would be realistic contenders for the FAI Junior Cup, which would be in full swing by next February, but on the other, they have long been frustrated by the protracted nature of the KDL fixture calendar, and high-profile First Division opposition would certainly be attractive to many of the squad. Either way, it's not a debate they'll have to consider for another 90-100 days.

[Mr A]

The Kerry FC process of joining the league is a proper courtship, whereas Cabinteely's elevation was a shotgun wedding.

But at the end of the day both end up f**ked?

[EatYerGreens]

With Killarney Celtic poised to complete another local league and cup double this evening, it will be interesting to see what attitude their players would take towards a senior Kerry team - on the one hand, they would be realistic contenders for the FAI Junior Cup, which would be in full swing by next February, but on the other, they have long been frustrated by the protracted nature of the KDL fixture calendar, and high-profile First Division opposition would certainly be attractive to many of the squad. Either way, it's not a debate they'll have to consider for another 90-100 days.

What sort of season is Kerry football playing, to be finishing up in August ?

[JC_GUFC]

With Killarney Celtic poised to complete another local league and cup double this evening, it will be interesting to see what attitude their players would take towards a senior Kerry team - on the one hand, they would be realistic contenders for the FAI Junior Cup, which would be in full swing by next February, but on the other, they have long been frustrated by the protracted nature of the KDL fixture calendar, and high-profile First Division opposition would certainly be attractive to many of the squad. Either way, it's not a debate they'll have to consider for another 90-100 days.

Am I right in thinking they won the league with a 100% record?

Some of the players will surely feel they want the challenge of League of Ireland.

Kerry clubs tend to get to the QF at best of the Junior Cup if I’m not mistaken. Maybe if they’re a really good side they’d have a chance but there’s so much luck involved it would be very tough to win.

[culloty82]

Yes, they won all their games, and it's their fourth straight double. As for the season ending in August, the cup generally only gets started after the league ends, but fair to say that the calendar itself tends to be fairly chaotic, with clubs often giving walkovers or seeking postponements for spurious reasons at times.

[Shinkicker]

Yes, they won all their games, and it's their fourth straight double. As for the season ending in August, the cup generally only gets started after the league ends, but fair to say that the calendar itself tends to be fairly chaotic, with clubs often giving walkovers or seeking postponements for spurious reasons at times.
When a team does the double four years on the trot you have to ask two questions
1. Are they that good?
Or
2. Is the opposition that bad.