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Keane: Kerry players wanted me to stay

Former Kerry football manager Peter Keane has released a statement insisting the players wanted him to remain in charge

Former Kerry manager Peter Keane has released a statement

Former Kerry football manager Peter Keane has released a statement insisting the players wanted him to remain in charge.

BY SHANE STAPLETON
Former Kerry football manager Peter Keane has released a statement insisting the players wanted him to remain in charge.

The county board recently ratified Jack O’Connor as boss for a third time, as the Kingdom look to bridge the gap to 2014 since their last All-Ireland title.

Keane has spoken for the first time at his disappointment at the move, and of how the players wanted him to stay.

The statement reads:
It has been a real honour for me to be have been involved with the Kerry county set-up over the last decade โ€“ from Development Squad level, to managing both the minor and senior football teams.

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It was great to work with so many of our talented young footballers. To watch their progression – showing potential from young players in development squads was a privilege. To be able to guide them to make the step up to minor level and then onto senior level has been hugely rewarding.

Unfortunately, losing the semi-final by one point in extra time to the eventual All-Ireland winners, led to a decision to end the work we had started and the momentum we had built. I know the players very much wanted us to continue with our project. They were the reason I wanted to stay. We were a united Kerry team with a great sense of purpose and ambition.

All the players communicated to the County Board sub-committee their strong preference for the present management to be retained. Itโ€™s most disappointing that their wishes do not appear to have been considered in the decision-making process.

The players are a credit to their families, partners, clubs, and communities. I wish them every success in the future as they start out again.

It has been a very tough time for everyone over the last while. During my term, we had two very unusual GAA seasons. It was fantastic to start seeing fans back at games again. I will now re-join the Kerry supporters in the stands and the terraces, and I want to thank all the wonderful Kerry supporters who have given us such fantastic backing over the years.

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I would also like to pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the backroom teams at minor and senior level over the past six years โ€“ especially James Foley, Maurice Fitzgerald, and Tommy Griffin. There are too many others to mention but they all know how much I appreciated their input and friendship.

Iโ€™d especially like to thank my wife Siobhรกn and my three boys for giving me their unwavering and unbelievable support over the years.

Ciarraรญ Abรบ.

Peter Keane

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