Kerry boss Colin Healy makes son, Arran, his first signing of summer transfer window

Kerry boss Colin Healy has made his son, Arran, his first signing of the summer transfer window.

Arran arrives at the First Division outfit from Cork City, having made 22 appearances for the club, after joining the City academy from Blarney United in 2018.

He found some regular game time in the 2024 First Division campaign and featured for City in all four games against Kerry throughout their title-winning season.

The 20-year-old has found game time hard to come by this year in a struggling City side in the Premier Division under the tutelage of former boss Tim Clancy and his successor, Ger Nash.

“I’m delighted to be here in Kerry," Arran said. "I’m looking forward to getting started with new teammates, and it’s a new challenge for me here. "I’ve had a great time in Cork since I was 13, but now it’s a new chance and hopefully some first-team football down here as well.

"I’m looking forward to putting on the green jersey in Mounthawk Park. 

"I was down here a couple of times with Cork, and I can see how passionate the supporters are here, so ya, can’t wait to get going now."

Colin Healy added: "Firstly, I’m obviously delighted that he is here. It’s a great opportunity for him. 

"It shows the path the club are choosing to go down, bringing in young, hungry players who want to fight for everything.

"He had a great upbringing in the Cork City academy, which I’m really thankful for.

"There are some great people in Cork City and in the academy there as well, and they’ve guided him along the right path. 

"Since making the senior setup in Cork, he found game time somewhat limited, so now is the right time to come down here.

"The want for first-team football and minutes is important to young players, and hopefully, he will get that experience here. 

"I just want to say a massive thanks to everyone in Cork who brought him this far.”

Meanwhile, Roy Keane, to his credit, is often spotted around Turner's Cross as he looks to lend his support to Cork City.

But rarely is he there in a working capacity, and even rarer can he be found out the back of the Corner Flag pub watching City amongst the fans.

But the Cork native was in and around the famous old ground recently doing a bit of acting at the venue for the first time since he memorably featured in the Young Offenders TV programme, when he was attempting to buy fish and chips.

On this occasion though, Keane features in an advertisement promoting the League of Ireland - "A League Of Our Own' - and Rockshore, the official beer of the LOI.

The ad includes some of Keane's most famous sayings being used against him before he finally gains a vantage point to witness Cork City score a goal.

In fairness to Roy, his acting has improved a lot. But then again, that's his job isn't it?