O'Shea reappointed as Kerry boss

Dr Crokes clubman Pat O'Shea has been reappointed as manager of the Kerry senior footballers, following a meeting of the Kerry County Committee last night.

O'Shea took over after the depature of Jack O'Connor and it was felt by many that he would have a tough task on his hands to emulate the achievements of the former manager.

However, the Killarney native helped the Kingdom secure back-to-back All-Ireland senior titles last September, a feat last achieved by Munster neighbours Cork in 1989-1990.

Kerry failed to retain their National Football League crown this year despite a positive run in the group stage - they registered four wins in seven outings but that was not enough to book a place in the penultimate round.

Indeed, O'Shea only assumed the role for a one-year spell as the Munster Council and Kerry County Board sought to clarify a ruling which does not allow inter-county managers to be paid by the GAA.

O'Shea is employed as a Games Manager by the Munster Council.

However, last night's decision confirmed pre-meeting speculation that the Munster Council had given the Kerry County Board the all-clear to ratify O'Shea for another term.

2007 was a busy year for O'Shea in Gaelic football management as he also guided his club Dr Crokes to Munster success before they fell to Crossmaglen Rangers after an All-Ireland final replay in Portlaoise.

He was involved when Dr Crokes last contested the All-Ireland final in 1992, when they beat Dublin side Thomas Davis.

O'Shea had gained previous experience of managing Kerry teams - he was involved with the minor team in 2002 and 2003. Previously he had taken charge of the Limerick minor football team for two years.

Last night's decision ensures that O'Shea and his players can now concentrate on achieving a potential All-Ireland three-in-a-row next year, a feat that has not been achieved since Kerry beat Tyrone by 2-15 to 1-10 in 1986, having already beaten Dublin in the two previous deciders.

Meanwhile, Sean Geaney has been appointed as Kerry Under-21 football manager for 2008, while minor manager John Kennedy and his selectors have been reappointed for a two-year term.