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Stephen Kenny has signed a new contract as Republic of Ireland boss which takes him into the 2024 UEFA European Championship campaign.
The 50-year-old’s contract was due to expire in July but both sides had remained confident of a new deal.
Kenny has lost just one of his last 10 games as national team boss after 11 openers without a win after taking over from Mick McCarthy.
Kenny’s assistant Keith Andrews and behind-the-scenes staff Dean Kiely, Stephen Rice and Damien Doyle are also rewarded with new offers.
Kenny said: “I consider it the ultimate honor to lead my country and I am delighted to extend my contract. The players are incredibly proud to play for Ireland and in recent performances we have witnessed a a powerful bond between the team and the Irish supporters.
“The attitude of the players has been exceptional, we have seen the team grow and develop and, together with Keith Andrews and all the staff, I cannot wait to see the team fulfill their potential. With the recent return of supporters to stadiums, I would like to underline the importance of the passionate Irish fans both at home and away Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Jonathan and the FAI Board for sharing our confidence in the international team.”
Welcoming the contract extension which begins with immediate effect, FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “On behalf of all members of the Association, I am delighted to announce this news today. The board has given me clear instructions to agree a deal that hands Stephen the next UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 campaigns at a time when the future of this young and emergent arouses so much enthusiasm.
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Highlights from the World Cup European Qualifying Group A match between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal.
“Stephen and I have agreed this deal now and we look forward to working together as he seeks to guide Ireland to the next European Championship final.”
Having failed to qualify for next year’s Winter World Cup in Qatar, Kenny’s next competitive fixtures will be the Republic’s first four Nations League fixtures next June.
Ireland have been drawn in Group B1 alongside Ukraine, Scotland and Armenia, with their final two fixtures scheduled for September.
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Highlights from the European World Cup qualifiers between Luxembourg and the Republic of Ireland.
Before that, they will face friendlies with Belgium and Lithuania in March.
The Euro 2024 qualifying draw – which will take place in Germany – is due to take place in October.
