Colin Healy named as new first team manager at Kerry FC 

Colin Healy is back in football, with the former Cork City boss now in charge of Kerry FC.

The coach, who also worked with the Republic of Ireland WNT, is the new first team manager at Mouthawk Park, effective immediately.

Healy takes over the club from Conor McCarthy, who has a role on his backroom team, and he will work directly underneath former Cork City player and current Kerry CEO Billy Dennehy.

The Ballincollig native was linked with a move to Waterford FC, but that went cold following the appointment of John Coleman.

Healy was also interested in taking over at Cobh Ramblers, but that move collapsed over uncertainty with his Ireland contract last December. 

The First Division side moved on as a result and appointed Mick McDermott, while there was no new deal at international level.

The coach is now back working in full-time football after experiencing the ‘toughest year’ of his life following the loss of his wife, Kelly.

“The last year has been the toughest of my life since losing my wife, Kelly,” he told the Kerry FC media team.

“During that time, my main focus has been to help my two young children cope with the loss of their mother and help them find some form of normality. 

"On behalf of my family, I would sincerely like to thank every person who has supported me privately and publicly.

“Kerry is a very special sporting county, and the club has made incredible strides over the past few years. During our conversations, Billy Dennehy’s passion and unwavering dedication to the continued growth of the game in Kerry has been so impressive. 

"In combination with John Wall’s support, I believe Kerry FC are at the beginning of a very special journey, and I will do everything I can to help build on the exceptional work which has already been done at the club. 

"I am very grateful for the opportunity and feel so hungry to get going.“ 

Colin Healy managed Cork City for two full seasons, before departing midway through the 2023 campaign.

The coach was brought in following the club’s relegation from the Premier Division and he achieved promotion during his second year, by beating Galway United and Waterford to the title.

Healy also guided Cork City to back-to-back Munster Senior Cup finals, while developing some of the most exciting young players that Irish football has to offer at the minute.

That group includes Mark O’Mahony, Franco Umeh, and Wales international David Harrington.

Healy left the club in May 2023 and went on to work as Eileen Gleeson’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland WNT.

Together, they guided the team to top spot in their group of the UEFA Women’s Nations League and the play-offs for Euro 2025.