'It has been the ultimate honour to manage my country' says Stephen Kenny

Following a meeting on Wednesday evening and a presentation to the Board by CEO Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham, the FAI Board has decided that Kenny’s contract will not be renewed.

GONE: Stephen Kenny's Ireland contract will not be renewed the FAI have confirmed.

Stephen Kenny's reign as Republic of Ireland senior manager is over, the Football Association of Ireland have confirmed.

Following a meeting on Wednesday evening and a presentation to the Board by CEO Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham, the FAI Board decided that Kenny’s contract, which is set to conclude following the end of the unsuccessful Euro 2024 qualification campaign, will not be renewed.

A statement released by the FAI announced; "Having reviewed the EURO 2024 qualification campaign in its entirety, and recognising how difficult the Group was, the results needed to realise our goal of qualification for the Tournament were not achieved.

"The Board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024."

FAI CEO Jonathan Hill commented, “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution.

"Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.”

FAI President Gerry McAnaney added, “The Board and all at the FAI would like to sincerely thank Stephen and his staff for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the team, the fans, and to Irish football. We wish Stephen every success for the future.”

The recruitment process for a new Head Coach is now underway and in a statement released later on Wednesday night, Kenny wished his successor well and thanked his staff for their work during his tenure.

"I am immensely proud to have served as Republic of Ireland Manager and it has been the ultimate honour to manage my country," Kenny said in his own statement.

"I want to thank all of the players who have represented Ireland during my tenure for their exceptional attitude and high level of professionalism.  It has been really special to have been an integral part of their journey on the international stage.

"I have had the privilege of overseeing the evolution of the squad for the past three years and I am genuinely excited about the future of this group of players and look forward to seeing them mature and fulfil their collective potential.

"I want to acknowledge the immense contribution of Keith Andrews, John O’Shea, Dean Kiely, Stephen Rice, Damian Doyle and all of the backroom team and thank them for their exceptional work ethic and professionalism and everybody working at all levels of the FAI for their support and cooperation.

"Some special words of gratitude to the Irish Football Supporters, it has been one of my great privileges in life to witness the bond between this team and the supporters and all the kind words of encouragement I received in stadiums, clubhouses, on the streets and in airports home and abroad.

"On behalf of the team, I thank you all for your incredible support right through to the end. My commitment to Irish football remains resolute and I look forward to supporting the team and wishing them every success."