Stephen Kenny Expresses Love for Dundalk Ahead of Clash with Former Club
Stephen Kenny, manager of St Patrick’s Athletic, has revealed his deep affection for Dundalk as he gears up to face his former club. The upcoming match holds a special significance for Kenny, especially with his son Eoin being part of the Lilywhites team.
Despite attempts from Dundalk officials to bring Kenny back to Oriel Park, the manager was already in talks with St Pat’s. Kenny cited reservations about returning to the club where he achieved great success, even though he still resides in the area and his son Eoin is on the cusp of the first team.
The recent appointment of Jon Daly, who Kenny replaced in Inchicore, adds another layer of intrigue to the fixture. Daly’s move to bring Pat’s coach Graham Kelly to Dundalk further spices up the encounter.
Reflecting on his time at Dundalk, Kenny emphasized his enduring fondness for the club where he clinched four league titles, two FAI Cups, and embarked on a memorable Europa League campaign. Despite managing other clubs like Derry, Kenny believes fresh perspectives can rejuvenate a team.
As the match approaches, Kenny acknowledged the surprise of Kelly’s departure to join forces with Daly, highlighting the strong bond between the two coaches. Meanwhile, St Pat’s player Alex Nolan, who scored the winning goal against Galway, anticipates a unique showdown against Daly, the individual responsible for bringing him to the club.
The clash between St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk promises to be a riveting spectacle, set to air live on Virgin Media Two at 5.15.
