Jack O'Connor decides not to return to Kildare for a third season, sets tongues wagging in Kerry 

"This was a very difficult decision for me and one that I agonised over during the past few weeks"

U TURN: Jack O'Connor won't be returning to Kildare in 2022.

Jack O'Connor has sensationally stepped down as Kildare football manager, despite giving an indication he would return to the Lilywhites for the 2022 season. 

The decision will fuel speculation - idle as it could prove to be - that O'Connor, who guided Kerry to three All-Ireland titles in the noughties, could be a contender to return to the Kingdom hot seat for a third stint, next season. Peter Keane's three-year term as manager ended with the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Tyrone.