Jack O'Connor has left his position as Kildare senior football boss after two years in charge.
The move was announced this morning via a statement.
Press Release - 6th September 2021 pic.twitter.com/RfRM12pV0C
— Kildare GAA (@KildareGAA) September 6, 2021
The Kerry native had guided the Lilywhites back to Division One of the Allianz Football League.
He also oversaw a run to this year's Leinster final, where they lost to Dublin, and had another year to run on his three-year agreement.
"After two challenging but very enjoyable years I have decided to step away from managing the Kildare senior football team," O'Connor said.
"This was a very difficult decision for me and one that I agonised over during the past few weeks. I have been made feel very welcome during my time in Kildare and I have worked with some great people up here.
"However, a round journey of over eight hours from St Finians Bay to Newbridge and back takes its toll and I felt this was unsustainable for the coming season."
Reflecting on his time in charge, O'Connor feels he made progress with the county.
"I'd like to thank the Kildare county board for putting faith in me two years ago. As a management, we worked incredibly hard since then to improve the standards in Kildare.
"The first year was about overhauling the panel and introducing a lot of good young players and this year was about building on that and making tangible progress.
"Getting promoted to Division One was crucial for the future development of this team, as was reaching a Leinster final and giving the young players a taste of the big day.
"I hope that the management can build on this and make further strides in the years ahead."
Kildare county board chairperson Mick Gorman said O'Connor 'would always be welcome here in Kildare'.
Next move
Given recent comments by O'Connor on managing his native county again, it's likely speculation will increase surrounding the position.
Peter Keane's position is under scrutiny following Kerry's loss to Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-final.
O'Connor previously guided the Kingdom to Sam Maguire success in 2004, 2006 and 2009 in his previous two stints as boss.
🗣 'They should be booting Jack O'Connor today!'
🗣 'Have some self respect!'@TomasORuanaidh & @gergilroy go hard on his criticism of Jack O'Connor's comments about Kildare & Kerry | 🏐@GilletteUK | #BestFaceForward#GAA Power Rankings ➡️ https://t.co/SLyyGoNmcq pic.twitter.com/Eb1iU3QIyy— Off The Ball (@offtheball) September 1, 2021
