Kenny steps down as Wicklow manager

Hugh Kenny has stepped down as manager of the Wicklow senior footballers following this afternoon's Leinster SFC first round defeat by Carlow.

The former Wicklow and Leinster full-back, who is a member of Ireland manager Sean Boylan's backroom staff for this year's International Rules Series, announced his intentions to step down "with immediate effect" after the 4-09 to 0-12 loss at Wexford Park.

A well-respected coach, Kenny took the Wicklow reins from John O'Leary in 2003 and it was no secret that this was to be his final year in charge.

During his playing career, he won an All-Ireland Club title with Baltinglass in 1990, and with the county side, an All-Ireland ’B’ championship (1992) and All-Ireland Junior crown (2002) before retiring at the age of 28.

“I have introduced up to 50 players to the inter-county scene over the last three years,” said Kenny. “They know the scene, know the training methods, are well looked after.”

“So perhaps it's now the time for Wicklow to appoint a high profile manager.”

Reflecting on his side’s performance against Carlow, he added: “We were desperately disappointing despite having prepared well.

“I've no excuses to offer - I thought Carlow were far the better team. But it was a major disappointment for me to see it end this way.”