Stephen Kenny (football manager)

Kenny grew up in Tallaght and lived there for the first 18 years of his life.{{cite web|last1=Doyle|first1=Garry|title=Kenny well on the way to exorcising his Rovers demons|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kenny-well-on-the-way-to-exorcising-his-rovers-demons-30425948.html|website=Irish Independent|date=12 July 2014 |access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=19 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719122239/http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kenny-well-on-the-way-to-exorcising-his-rovers-demons-30425948.html|url-status=live}} He attended Our Lady of Loreto Boys National School and Old Bawn Community School.{{cite web|last1=Malone|first1=Emmet|title=Dundalk's success further proof of Stephen Kenny's talents|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/dundalk-s-success-further-proof-of-stephen-kenny-s-talents-1.2420544|website=Irish Times|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=4 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904153236/http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/dundalk-s-success-further-proof-of-stephen-kenny-s-talents-1.2420544|url-status=live}} Kenny ran a successful meat-production business in the late 1990s before moving into football management full-time.{{cite web|last1=Doyle|first1=Garry|title=Kenny: I considered quitting football after Rovers sacking|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kenny-i-considered-quitting-football-after-rovers-sacking-30882217.html|website=Irish Independent|date=5 January 2015 |access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=10 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510183246/http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kenny-i-considered-quitting-football-after-rovers-sacking-30882217.html|url-status=live}}

During his playing career, Kenny spent two years at Belvedere as a schoolboy before signing for St Patrick's Athletic. Without making an appearance he then transferred to Home Farm, playing just four games in the League of Ireland First Division, making his League of Ireland debut on 13 March 1994. Following time at Home Farm, Kenny had an offer to sign for Kilkenny City, before choosing to sign for hometown club Tallaght Town as player-manager. Starting in Senior 1B of the Leinster Senior League, Kenny guided the club to three successive promotions, before Shamrock Rovers merged with Tallaght Town.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/kenny-i-considered-quitting-football-after-rovers-sacking/30882217.html|title=Kenny: I considered quitting football after Rovers sacking|date=5 January 2015|access-date=5 September 2024|publisher=Irish Independent}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.echo.ie/tallaght-was-a-great-learning-experience-for-me-kenny/|title=“Tallaght was a great learning experience for me” – Kenny|date=24 April 2020|access-date=5 September 2024|website=Echo.ie}}

Following his time at Tallaght Town, Kenny moved to St Patrick's Athletic when he took charge of the Dublin side's under-21 squad in the Athletic Union League, guiding the team to a league win.

In the summer of 1998, Kenny became the youngest manager in National League history when he took over Longford Town at the age of 26. He led Longford to huge success during his three-year tenure as they won promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division for the first time and subsequently reached the 2001 FAI Cup Final, qualifying for the 2001–02 UEFA Cup.

In December 2001, Kenny left the midlands club and became manager of Bohemians, taking over at Dalymount Park. Bohemians were then the champions of the Eircom League, having won the Double the previous season. However, the club was in something of a crisis, with former manager Roddy Collins' successor Pete Mahon struggling after a strong start to the season. Kenny's impact at Bohemians was immediate, as the side steadily moved away from the lower end of the league table. Kenny’s squad reached that year's FAI Cup final, which saw Dundalk FC seal a close 2–1 victory over Bohemians.

In the 2002–2003 season, Kenny made some changes within the first-team squad and led Bohemians to a Premier Division title win, granting the side qualification for the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League first qualifying round. Although Bohemians did not progress to the second qualifying round, Kenny’s revitalised squad celebrated a 3–0 win over FC BATE Borisov, the record-holders for the most Belarusian Premier League titles won.

The following season, Bohemians placed second to winners Shelbourne FC in the league, securing the club’s place in the 2003–04 UEFA Cup first qualifying round. Kenny left Bohemians on 27 July 2004 with a league record of 49 wins in 96 games.

File:SKenny.jpg manager]]

After just three weeks out of the game, Kenny returned to management at Derry City following the departure of Gavin Dykes, taking over from caretaker manager Peter Hutton. His time at the club was hugely successful and he has been credited for turning a team battling against relegation in the 2004 season into one which challenged for the Premier Division title in 2005, finishing runners-up.

Kenny also guided Derry City to their first advancement in European competition in over 40 years, the last seeing Norwegian side Lyn Oslo being knocked out. Derry qualified for the 2006–07 UEFA Cup by finishing runners-up in the Premier Division in the 2005 season. On 13 July 2006, Derry overcame two-time winners IFK Göteborg in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round 2–0 on aggregate. A 79th-minute header from Sean Hargan was enough to give Derry a shock win in the first leg, and Stephen O'Flynn ensured a 1–0 home victory from the penalty spot. Kenny was delighted with the win, stating:

{{cquote|They have won the UEFA Cup twice and only a few years ago were in the group stages of the Champions League, so this is a great night for everyone connected with Derry City. We were worthy winners. It is not as if we got a goal and held on. I think we played the better football.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/5179024.stm Kenny salutes his Derry heroes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107175316/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/5179024.stm |date=7 November 2012 }} news.bbc.co.uk Retrieved 16 July 2006

}}

This marked Derry City's first progression in European football since defeating Lyn Oslo more than 40 years ago.{{when|date=May 2024}}

Derry City were subsequently drawn against Scottish second-level side Gretna in the second qualifying round. On 10 August 2006, Derry claimed a 5–1 away win to gain a considerable advantage going into the home leg. This result is the largest away winning margin for a League of Ireland team in Europe.[http://sport.scotsman.com/football.cfm?id=1167012006 Slack Gretna given cruel lesson by five-star Derry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330180129/https://www.scotsman.com/sport|date=30 March 2021}} It is also the heaviest home defeat recorded of any Scottish team in European competition. Stephen Halliday, sport.scotsman.com. Retrieved 12 August 2006 Following a 2–2 home draw with Gretna in the second leg and a 7–3 win on aggregate, Derry advanced to the UEFA Cup First Round. In the draw, held on 25 August 2006, Derry City were handed a tough tie against Paris Saint-Germain FC. The first leg was played at home at Brandywell Stadium on the evening of 14 September 2006 and ended in a 0–0 draw. The second leg was played at Parc des Princes on 28 September. PSG won the second leg 2–0 with goals from Pauleta and Edouard Cisse.

Kenny remained in charge of Derry City until 17 November 2006 for their final league game before moving to Dunfermline Athletic. Derry finished second in the league behind Shelbourne, who had a stronger goal difference. Kenny then made a return to Derry City to manage the club for the FAI Cup final win against St. Patrick's Athletic.{{cite news |date=3 December 2006 |title=Derry see off St Pat's in decider |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/6204362.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205234541/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/6204362.stm |archive-date=5 December 2006 |access-date=3 December 2006 |publisher=BBC Sport website}}

Kenny's total managerial record at Derry included 112 games managed, 65 games won, 29 games drawn, 18 games lost, 170 goals for, 80 goals against, and 57 clean sheets. His win percentage was 58%. During his time in charge, a total of 32 players represented the club, and 7 players that he managed went on to represent their country at international level.{{cite web|last1=McDonnell|first1=Daniel|title='It's great to have Martin O'Neill saying things like that about a League of Ireland player' - Daryl Horgan|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/its-great-to-have-martin-oneill-saying-things-like-that-about-a-league-of-ireland-player-daryl-horgan-35075470.html|website=Irish Independent|date=24 September 2016 |access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215034036/https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/its-great-to-have-martin-oneill-saying-things-like-that-about-a-league-of-ireland-player-daryl-horgan-35075470.html|url-status=live}}

Kenny was confirmed as the new Dunfermline Athletic manager on 10 November 2006{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/6138262.stm|publisher=BBC Sport website|title=Kenny appointed Dunfermline boss|date=10 November 2006|access-date=10 November 2006|archive-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513010530/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/6138262.stm|url-status=live}} and took up his position on 18 November 2006 where he was to watch Dunfermline's game against Dundee United from the stand.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6157764.stm|publisher=BBC Sport website|title=Dunfermline 2–1 Dundee Utd|date=18 November 2006|access-date=21 November 2006|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330180137/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v51.js|url-status=live}}

Following his departure from the League of Ireland, his contributions during the 2006 season were still recognised by eircom / Soccer Writers Association of Ireland (SWAI) who nominated the former Derry City manager for their 'Personality of the Year' award on 13 December 2006.

In January 2007, Kenny brought in Jim O'Brien, Adam Hammill, Bobby Ryan, Jamie Harris and Stephen Glass to the club and later recruited released Falkirk striker Tam McManus. Kenny and his coaching team led Dunfermline to the Scottish Cup Final on 24 April 2007 having defeated Rangers, Hearts, and Partick Thistle, securing a 1–0 win over Hibernian in the semi-final replay. The Cup Final ended with a narrow 1–0 loss to Celtic. A 2–1 defeat at Inverness CT coupled with St Mirren's 3–2 win at Motherwell saw the Fife club relegated to the First Division, despite having previously won four league games in a row.

On 4 December 2007, Kenny departed the club and striker Jim McIntyre, injured for much of Kenny's time at the club, took charge as caretaker.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/7127417.stm|title=Pars part company with boss Kenny|access-date=4 December 2007|work=BBC News|date=4 December 2007|archive-date=6 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206120107/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/7127417.stm|url-status=live}}

Following his departure from Dunfermline Athletic and the exit of Derry City manager John Robertson, Kenny was strongly linked with a return to the League of Ireland club. Kenny was confirmed to have returned to Derry City on 28 December 2007.{{cite web |date=28 December 2007 |title=Kenny returns as Derry City boss |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/7161888.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330180113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/7161888.stm |archive-date=30 March 2021 |access-date=28 December 2007 |work=BBC News}}

In 2008, Derry City won the League of Ireland Cup with a confident 6–1 win over Wexford Youths. The club ended the season in third place in the league table, securing its entry to the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.

After the club was relegated to the League of Ireland First Division in 2009 for entering administration, Kenny stayed on as Derry City manager, winning the 2010 First Division title and guiding the side back to the Premier Division. In 2011, Derry City’s return to the Premier Division saw them claim a third-place finish in the league table and a League Cup win with a 1–0 victory over Cork City. Kenny left the club on 24 December 2011 to join Shamrock Rovers.

Following the departure of former manager Michael O'Neill, Kenny was confirmed as the new manager of Shamrock Rovers on 27 December 2011.{{cite web |title=New Rovers boss |url=http://www.shamrockrovers.ie/news/35-news/2344-new-rovers-boss |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217215816/http://www.shamrockrovers.ie/news/35-news/2344-new-rovers-boss |archive-date=17 February 2013 |access-date=6 August 2012}} The side ended the 2012 League of Ireland Premier Division in fourth place, three points behind closest rivals St Patrick’s Athletics. Kenny departed the club on 11 September 2012.{{Cite news |date=11 September 2012 |title=Stephen Kenny: Ex-Derry boss sacked by Shamrock Rovers |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19563407 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330180138/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19563407 |archive-date=30 March 2021 |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=BBC Sport}}

In November 2012, Dundalk confirmed Kenny as its new first-team manager. The side mounted an unexpected title challenge in Kenny’s first season and would finish runners-up, with a defeat to eventual champions St. Patrick's Athletic ultimately costing them the title. But Kenny kept the nucleus of the new side together for the following season and in 2014, led the club to its first league title since 1994–95, landing a place in the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. Dundalk also won 2014's League of Ireland Cup, the club's first League and League Cup Double.

The 2015 season saw Dundalk dominate: Kenny’s squad clinched another League and FAI Cup Double, winning the title by 11 points and securing the Cup with a victory over Cork City in the 2015 FAI Cup final.{{cite web |last=Leahy |first=Ed |date=8 November 2015 |title=Dundalk do the double with extra-time FAI Cup win |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015-1108/740495-dundalk-do-the-double-with-extra-time-cup-win/ |access-date=23 June 2019 |website=RTÉ |via=www.rte.ie}} They also won the Leinster Senior Cup, the club's first 'treble' since 1966–67. A third league title in a row was sealed with two games to spare in 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/dundalk-are-crowned-the-airtricity-league-premier-division-champions-for-the-third-time-in-a-row-35154880.html/|title=Dundalk are crowned the Airtricity League Premier Division champions for the third time in a row|date=23 October 2016|access-date=23 June 2019|newspaper=Irish Independent|archive-date=6 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306111505/https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/dundalk-are-crowned-the-airtricity-league-premier-division-champions-for-the-third-time-in-a-row-35154880.html|url-status=live}}

2016 also saw the club qualify for the Champions League play-off round after they defeated FH of Iceland,{{cite news |last=Crawley |first=Darren |date=20 July 2016 |title=Superb McMillan the difference as Dundalk sparkle in Iceland |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/champions-league/superb-mcmillan-the-difference-as-dundalk-sparkle-in-iceland-1.2729017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516192004/https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/champions-league/superb-mcmillan-the-difference-as-dundalk-sparkle-in-iceland-1.2729017 |archive-date=16 May 2019 |access-date=18 October 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times |via=www.irishtimes.com}} then came from a goal down in the tie to defeat BATE Borisov 3–1 on aggregate.{{cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Gavin |date=2 August 2016 |title=Dundalk down BATE to progress in Champions League |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016-0802-806543-dundalk-v-bate-borisov/ |website=RTÉ |via=www.rte.ie}} Dundalk drew Legia Warsaw for the play-off, with the first leg played in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in front of a crowd of 30,417.{{cite web |date=17 August 2016 |title=Full Time Summary Play-Offs 1st leg – Wednesday 17 August 2016 |url=http://www.uefa.org/newsfiles/ucl/2017-md-02_2_fs.pdf |access-date=17 August 2016 |work=UEFA.org |publisher=Union of European Football Associations}} They suffered a 2–0 defeat in the home leg, but shocked Legia in the return leg by taking a 1–0 lead. With Dundalk pushing for the equaliser that would have taken the tie to extra-time, Legia scored on the break and won the tie 3–1 on aggregate.{{cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Gavin |date=23 August 2016 |title=Brave Dundalk exit Champions League in Poland |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016-0823-811473-legia-warsaw-v-dundalk/ |website=RTÉ |via=www.rte.ie}} As a result, Dundalk qualified for the group stage of the Europa League, making them only the second Irish team to have done so. A draw with AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands,{{cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Gavin |date=15 September 2016 |title=Kilduff snatches historic point for 10-man Dundalk |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016-0915-816869-kilduff-snatches-historic-point-for-10-man-dundalk/ |website=RTÉ |via=www.rte.ie}} followed by a victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Tallaght Stadium, were the first points earned by an Irish club in the group stage of European competition.{{cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Gavin |date=29 September 2016 |title=Dundalk claim historic Euro win against Maccabi |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016-0929-820325-dundalk-maccabi/ |website=RTÉ |via=www.rte.ie}}

In 2017, after the European run, Dundalk won the League Cup again and finished second place in the league. The club secured a place in that year’s FAI Cup Final, but following a 1–1 draw that took the game to penalties, opponents Cork City ultimately took the Cup. The club's European form had attracted interest from abroad and a consortium of American investors, backed by sports-investors PEAK6, completed a takeover in January 2018. That year, Kenny's side won another League and Cup Double, the second under Kenny and fourth in the club's history, breaking points-total and goals scored-total records.

In 2017, after the European run, Dundalk won the League Cup again{{cite news|url=https://dundalksport.ie/dfc-mcmillans-early-goal-has-dundalk-tallaght-fornia-dreaming-yet-again-a7dd7b7b685c|title=DFC – McMillan's early goal has Dundalk Tallaght-fornia dreaming yet again!|first=Gavin|last=McLaughlin|date=16 September 2017|access-date=23 June 2019|publisher=Dundalk Sport|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209175804/https://dundalksport.ie/dfc-mcmillans-early-goal-has-dundalk-tallaght-fornia-dreaming-yet-again-a7dd7b7b685c|url-status=live}} and finished second place in the league. The club secured a place in that year’s FAI Cup Final, but following a 1–1 draw that took the game to penalties, opponents Cork City ultimately took the Cup. The club's European form had attracted interest from abroad and a consortium of American investors, backed by sports-investors PEAK6, completed a takeover in January 2018.{{cite news|url=https://dundalksport.ie/dfc-peak6-backed-american-takeover-of-dundalk-fc-finally-confirmed-ad79980f4dbe|title=DFC – PEAK6 backed American takeover of Dundalk FC finally confirmed|first=Gavin|last=McLaughlin|date=18 January 2018|access-date=23 June 2019|publisher=Dundalk Sport|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330180154/https://dundalksport.ie/dfc-peak6-backed-american-takeover-of-dundalk-fc-finally-confirmed-ad79980f4dbe|url-status=live}}

In 2018, Kenny's side won another League and Cup Double, the second under Kenny and fourth in the club's history, breaking points-total and goals scored-total records in the process.{{cite news|url=https://www.the42.ie/dundalk-v-sligo-rovers-19-october-2018-4296125-Oct2018/|title=Dundalk secure record league points tally as Hoban scores 29th goal of the season|first=Caoimhín|last=Reilly|date=19 October 2018|access-date=23 June 2019|publisher=Journal Media|via=www.the42.ie|archive-date=13 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613072037/https://www.the42.ie/dundalk-v-sligo-rovers-19-october-2018-4296125-Oct2018/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2018/1104-1008613-mceleney-the-hero-as-dundalk-complete-the-double/|title=McEleney the hero as Dundalk complete the double|first=Ed|last=Leahy|date=4 November 2018|access-date=23 June 2019|website=RTÉ|via=www.rte.ie}}

On 25 November 2018, Kenny was appointed as Republic of Ireland U21 manager following the departure of Noel King.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/its-in-writing-stephen-kenny-confirms-hell-be-replacing-mccarthy-after-euro-2020-no-matter-what-37565997.html|title='It's in writing' - Stephen Kenny confirms he'll be replacing McCarthy after Euro 2020 - no matter what|date=26 November 2018|work=Irish Independent|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330180149/https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/its-in-writing-stephen-kenny-confirms-hell-be-replacing-mccarthy-after-euro-2020-no-matter-what-37565997.html|url-status=live}}

Kenny’s U21s enjoyed a record-breaking 2019, ending the year at the top of their 2021 UEFA European Championships qualifying group. The same year, Ireland achieved its highest-ever finish in the prestigious Toulon Tournament (fourth position).{{Cite web |date=15 June 2019 |title=Ireland finish fourth at Toulon Tournament after penalty shoot-out defeat to Mexico |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/ireland-finish-fourth-at-toulon-tournament-after-penalty-shoot-out-defeat-to-mexico/38221916.html |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Independent.ie |language=en}} Kenny’s team secured victories over China{{Cite web |title=Republic of Ireland 4 - 1 China PR {{!}} 2019 - U21 Mens Friendlies {{!}} 999945679 {{!}} Football Association of Ireland |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/55502/2019/999945679 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}} and Bahrain{{Cite web |title=Republic of Ireland U21 1-0 Bahrain U22 (Jun 9, 2019) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/539352 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=ESPN}} and a draw against Mexico in the group stage,{{Cite web |title=Mexico 0 - 0 Republic of Ireland {{!}} 2019 - U21 Mens Friendlies {{!}} 999945680 {{!}} Football Association of Ireland |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/55502/2019/999945680?tab=report |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}} with a highly competitive semi-final ending in a 2–0 win for Brazil.{{Cite web |title=Brazil 2 - 0 Republic of Ireland {{!}} 2019 - U21 Mens Friendlies {{!}} 999946286 {{!}} Football Association of Ireland |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/55502/2019/999946286 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}}

On 3 September 2020, Kenny’s first game in charge of the Republic of Ireland’s national team against Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League ended in a 1–1 draw.{{Cite news |title=Republic snatch last-gasp Bulgaria draw |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53972984 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} On 8 October, Ireland lost to Slovakia 4–2 on penalties in the UEFA Euro 2020 play-off semi-final in Bratislava.{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Paul |date=8 October 2020 |title=Agony for Republic of Ireland as they lose penalty shootout in Slovakia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/08/republic-of-ireland-slovakia-euro-2020-play-off-match-report |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} The Republic of Ireland completed 2020 with a record of 4 draws and 4 defeats. In March 2021, Ireland played two 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with a loss of 3–2 to Serbia{{Cite news |title=Republic lose 3-2 to Serbia in Belgrade |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56491904 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} and a 1–0 home defeat at the hands of Luxembourg.{{Cite web |title=Luxembourg 1-0 Republic of Ireland (Mar 27, 2021) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/590406 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=ESPN}}

On 1 September 2021, Ireland led Portugal 1–0 in their third 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Estádio Algarve with two minutes to play in normal time. The side ended up losing 2–1, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring two late goals.{{Cite news |date=31 August 2021 |title=World Cup qualifying: Portugal 2-1 Republic of Ireland - late Ronaldo double delivers dramatic win for Portugal |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/football/56103772 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} Next, Ireland were only able to draw 1-1 at home with Azerbaijan; a late equaliser from Shane Duffy salvaged a point for the Irish against the team ranked 117th in the world.{{Cite news |title=Shane Duffy spared the Republic of Ireland's blushes with a late header to earn a World Cup qualifying draw with Azerbaijan in Dublin |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58434755 |access-date=28 March 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}

On 9 October 2021, Ireland won 3–0 away to the same country in the reverse fixture{{Cite news |title=Republic win eases pressure on Kenny |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58786785 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} and three days later on 12 October, Kenny’s squad defeated Qatar 4–0 in a friendly.{{Cite web |title=Republic of Ireland 4 - 0 Qatar {{!}} 2021 - Senior Men Friendlies {{!}} 999946992 {{!}} Football Association of Ireland |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/19/2021/999946992 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}} On 14 November 2021, Ireland completed their qualification campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 3–0 win away against Luxembourg, but still came third, eight points below Portugal.{{Cite news |title=Republic boss Kenny says 'more to come' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59285713 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}

On 9 March 2022, Kenny signed a new contract with Ireland to remain in charge until after UEFA Euro 2024.{{Cite web |title=FAI extends Stephen Kenny contract to Euro 2024 {{!}} Football Association of Ireland |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/fai-extends-stephen-kenny-contract-to-euro-2024 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}} In June 2022, Ireland played four 2022–23 UEFA Nations League fixtures. The campaign started with a 1–0 loss away to Armenia, ranked 92nd in the world,{{Cite web |title=Armenia 1 - 0 Republic of Ireland {{!}} 2022 - UEFA Nations League {{!}} 2034457 {{!}} Football Association of Ireland |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/2014/2022/2034457 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}} followed by a 1–0 loss at home to Ukraine,{{Cite web |title=Republic of Ireland 0 - 1 Ukraine {{!}} 2022 - UEFA Nations League|url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/2014/2022/2034435?tab=preview |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}} before defeating Scotland 3-0.{{Cite news |title=Obafemi stars as Republic comfortably beat Scots |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61675617 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} The win over Scotland was Ireland’s first competitive home win in three years and their first competitive win at home to a side ranked above them since the win against Bosnia in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying play-offs{{Cite news |title=Rep Ireland 2-0 Bosnia-Herz (3-1 agg) |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/34827028 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} in November 2015. The last of the four games was a 1–1 draw against Ukraine in Łódź.{{Cite news |title=Collins stunner helps Republic to Ukraine draw |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61785096 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}

Ireland finished their participation in 2022–23 UEFA Nations League on 27 September 2023 at home to Armenia, with Robbie Brady's penalty in additional time securing a 3-2 win.{{Cite news |title=Republic of Ireland 3 - 2 Armenia |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63034146 |work=BBC Sport|access-date=28 March 2024}}

On 27 March 2023, Ireland opened their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 1–0 loss at home to France.{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Scott |date=27 March 2023 |title=Republic of Ireland 0-1 France: Euro 2024 qualifying – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/mar/27/republic-of-ireland-v-france-euro-2024-qualifying-live |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=the Guardian|issn=0261-3077}} In June 2023, they lost 2–1 away to Greece{{Cite web |title=Greece 2 - 1 Republic of Ireland {{!}} 2024 - UEFA European Qualifiers {{!}} 2036338 {{!}} Football Association of Ireland |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match/3/2024/2036338?tab=preview |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=www.fai.ie}} before winning 3–0 at home to Gibraltar.{{Cite web |title=Rep of Ireland 3 - 0 Gibraltar {{!}} Football |url=http://www.theguardian.com//football/match/4359345 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=the Guardian}} On 7 September 2023, the game with France at the Parc des Princes ended in a 2–0 loss for Ireland{{Cite news |title=Tchouameni and Thuram score as France beat Republic |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66667117 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} and a 2–1 defeat to the Netherlands followed three days later.{{Cite news |last=Smyth |first=Rob |date=10 September 2023 |title=Republic of Ireland 1-2 Netherlands: Euro 2024 qualifier – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/sep/10/republic-of-ireland-v-netherlands-euro-2024-qualifier-live |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=the Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} Any hopes of qualifying were extinguished on 13 October 2023 with a home 2-0 loss to Greece, still with two games to play.{{Cite news |title=The Republic of Ireland's fading hopes of reaching the Euro 2024 finals have been dashed by a deflating 2-0 home defeat by Greece |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67025508 |work=BBC Sport|access-date=28 March 2024}} Ireland finished campaign in the fourth place, seven points below Greece with their only points won against Gibraltar.

Kenny’s contract with the Football Association of Ireland was not renewed after his final game on 22 November 2023 a day after a 1-1 draw with New Zealand.{{Cite news |title=FAI confirms Kenny's exit as Republic manager |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67504123 |access-date=10 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport}} Kenny faced criticism from some media commentators during his reign,{{Cite web |last=O'Hehir |first=Paul |date=2023-11-21 |title='If it's my last game, so be it. If there's a new manager, I'll wish him well' |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/if-its-last-game-it-31489567 |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Irish Mirror}} but he also had support from experienced commentators such as John Giles.{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=P. J. |date=2023-09-12 |title=John Giles Goes Against Grain With Thoughts On Stephen Kenny Future |url=https://www.balls.ie/football/john-giles-stephen-kenny-new-ireland-contract-570139 |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Balls.ie}} The attendances at games remained high and he had strong support from his players throughout his time as manager.{{Cite news |title=Matt Doherty backs under-fire Stephen Kenny following Republic of Ireland defeat to Greece |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2023/06/17/matt-doherty-backs-under-fire-stephen-kenny-following-republic-of-ireland-defeat-to-greece/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-22 |title=Chiedozie Ogbene's glowing tribute to Ireland manager Stephen Kenny |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/sport/soccer/chiedozie-ogbenes-glowing-tribute-to-ireland-manager-stephen-kenny/a772636562.html |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=SundayWorld.com}}{{Cite web |last=Doyle |first=Garry |date=2023-09-11 |title=Nathan Collins "can't speak highly enough" of Kenny as he backs under-fire boss |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/nathan-collins-cant-speak-highly-30908948 |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Irish Mirror}} Kenny reflected upon the criticism some months after his departure and said: "We didn't achieve everything we wanted to achieve of course but the public believed it cos they filled the stadiums, there was a sense of optimism that was different. I know we were far from perfect, but we consistently had full houses and fully believed in what we were doing, the players believed in myself as a coach and what we were doing was the right way."{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=The Stephen Kenny interview: 'Some people don't just want to criticise you, they really want to seriously damage your reputation' |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/the-stephen-kenny-interview-some-people-dont-just-want-to-criticise-you-they-really-want-to-seriously-damage-your-reputation/a1635134781.html |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=www.independent.ie}}

On 16 May 2024, Kenny returned to the League of Ireland Premier Division with the club he started his coaching career at, signing a contract until the end of 2029 with St Patrick's Athletic.{{cite web | url=https://www.stpatsfc.com/news.php?id=9617 | title=Stephen Kenny Named St Patrick's Athletic Manager }} After a difficult start, his first league win with the club came on 31 May 2024, a 2–1 win over Galway United at Richmond Park.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2024/05/31/st-pats-work-past-galway-to-hand-stephen-kenny-a-first-win-in-charge/|title=St Pat’s work past Galway to hand Stephen Kenny a first win in charge|website=The Irish Times}} On 10 June 2024, Kenny announced his former player Brian Gartland as his assistant coach.{{Cite web|url=http://www.stpatsfc.com/news.php?id=9631|title=Brian Gartland Named Assistant Coach|website=www.stpatsfc.com}} On 25 July 2024, Kenny took charge of his first European fixture with the club, beating Vaduz of Liechtenstein 3–1 in a UEFA Conference League tie at Richmond Park, with Jake Mulraney scoring a brace and captain Joe Redmond heading home a third goal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/st-pats-return-to-form-with-impressive-european-win-over-fc-vaduz/a1611014131.html|title=St Pat’s return to form with impressive European win over FC Vaduz|date=25 July 2024|website=Irish Independent}} A 2–2 draw away to Vaduz{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41448589.html|title=St Pat's draw in Vaduz to set up Conference League third round clash|first=John|last=Fallon|date=1 August 2024|website=Irish Examiner}} then set up a tie with Sabah of Azerbaijan, who Kenny's side beat 1–0 at Tallaght Stadium before again winning 1–0 away at the Bank Respublika Arena.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41457013.html|title=St Pat's clinch famous win in Azerbaijan to march on in Europe|first=Paul|last=Buttner|date=15 August 2024|website=Irish Examiner}} In the UEFA Conference League Play-Off Round, they faced Turkish side İstanbul Başakşehir, drawing 0–0 at Tallaght Stadium{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/st-pats-istanbul-result-6469544-Aug2024/|title=St Patrick's Athletic one game from history after 0-0 draw in first leg of Euro play-off|first=David|last=Sneyd|date=22 August 2024|website=The 42}} before narrowly being beaten 2–0 in the return leg at the Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium through 2 goals in the last 25 minutes while down to 10 men.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41465023.html|title=Stephen Kenny disappointed as İstanbul Başakşehir end St Pats' European dream|first=John|last=Fallon|date=28 August 2024|website=Irish Examiner}} Kenny's 1000th game in management (not including club friendlies) came on 27 September 2024, in a 3–0 win away to Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/jake-mulraney-on-the-double-for-super-saints-to-derail-shamrock-rovers-charge/a1429973848.html|title=Jake Mulraney on the double for super Saints to derail Shamrock Rovers’ charge|date=27 September 2024|website=Irish Independent}} On 8 October 2024, Kenny claimed his first trophy as Pats manager when his second string side beat St Mochta's 2–1 in the final of the 2023–24 Leinster Senior Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/articles/34854/st-patricks-athletic-crowned-leinster-senior-cup-winners/|title=St Patrick’s Athletic crowned Leinster Senior Cup winners|first=Extratime|last=Team|website=extratime.com}} With the club in 8th place in the table going into their game on 1 September 2024, Kenny guided his side to a club record equalling 9 consecutive league victories to secure 3rd place at the end of his first season at the club, securing UEFA Conference League football for the following season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41508515.html|title=Ninth win in a row for St Pat's as they see off Sligo Rovers|first=David|last=Goulden|date=1 November 2024|website=Irish Examiner}}

Kenny is married and has four children.{{cite web|url= https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/who-stephen-kennys-wife-how-27019564|title= Who is Stephen Kenny's wife, how many children does he have and what's his salary?|date=22 May 2022|work=Irish Mirror|accessdate=20 March 2023}}

His son Eoin Kenny is a professional footballer, having signed his first professional contract on 5 March 2023, with his father's former club Dundalk.{{Cite web|url=https://www.the42.ie/eoin-kenny-6011777-Mar2023/|title=Stephen Kenny's son Eoin signs professional contract with Dundalk|first=The42|last=Team|date=6 March 2023|website=The42}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.extratime.com/articles/30148/stephen-kennys-son-signs-pro-deal-dundalk/|title=Stephen Kenny's son signs pro deal with Dundalk|first=Andrew|last=Dempsey|website=extratime.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/stephen-kennys-sons-making-names-29018841.amp|title=Stephen Kenny's sons making names for themselves in football and music|first=by Garry|last=Doyle|date=18 April 2024|website=Belfast Live}}

{{updated|match played 25 April 2025}}

:Note: Club games included are competitive games only.

Longford Town

• FAI Cup
• Runner-up (1): 2001

Bohemians

• League of Ireland Premier Division
• Winner (1): 2002–03

Derry City

• League of Ireland First Division
• Winner (1): 2010
• FAI Cup
• Winner (1): 2006
• Runner-up (1): 2008
• League of Ireland Cup
• Winner (4): 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011

Dunfermline Athletic

• Scottish Cup
• Runner-up (1): 2007
• Scottish Challenge Cup
• Runner-up (1): 2008

Shamrock Rovers

• Leinster Senior Cup
• Winner (1): 2011–12

Dundalk

• League of Ireland Premier Division
• Winner (4): 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
• Runner-up (2): 2013, 2017
• FAI Cup
• Winner (2): 2015, 2018
• Runner-up (2): 2016, 2017
• League of Ireland Cup
• Winner (2): 2014, 2017
• President of Ireland's Cup
• Winner (1): 2015
• Runner-up (3): 2016, 2017, 2018
• Leinster Senior Cup
• Winner (1): 2014–15

St Patrick's Athletic

• Leinster Senior Cup
• Winner (1): 2023–24

• PFAI Manager of the Year: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018{{cite web|title=Stephen Kenny up for fourth PFAI Manager of the Year award in a row|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/1027/827396-stephen-kenny-kenny-shiels-harry-kenny-up-for/|website=RTÉ Sport|date=27 October 2016 |publisher=rte.ie|access-date=27 October 2016|archive-date=28 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028021349/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/1027/827396-stephen-kenny-kenny-shiels-harry-kenny-up-for/|url-status=live}}
• Irish Tatler Man of the Year: 2016{{cite web|last1=Power|first1=Bairbre|title=Irish Tatler Man 'Men of the Year' awards - Kennedy, Kenny and McMahon among winners|url=http://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/irish-tatler-man-men-of-the-year-awards-kennedy-kenny-and-mcmahon-among-winners-35131995.html|website=Irish Independent|date=14 October 2016 |publisher=independent.ie|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018203355/http://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/irish-tatler-man-men-of-the-year-awards-kennedy-kenny-and-mcmahon-among-winners-35131995.html|url-status=live}}
• Philips Sports Manager of the Year: 2016{{cite web|last1=Kelly|first1=Niall|title=Stephen Kenny wins Philips Sports Manager of the Year award|url=http://www.the42.ie/stephen-kenny-philips-sports-manager-of-the-year-3125880-Dec2016/|website=The 42|date=7 December 2016 |publisher=the42.ie|access-date=7 December 2016|archive-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211050656/http://www.the42.ie/stephen-kenny-philips-sports-manager-of-the-year-3125880-Dec2016/|url-status=live}}
• RTÉ Sports Manager of the Year Award: 2016{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/1217/839646-stephen-kenny/|title=Stephen Kenny lands RTÉ Manager of the Year award|date=17 December 2016|work=RTÉ Sport|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220175550/https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/1217/839646-stephen-kenny/|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

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• {{soccerbase (manager)|id=2070|name=Stephen Kenny}}

{{St Patrick's Athletic F.C. squad}}

{{League of Ireland managers}}

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{{Dundalk F.C. managers}}

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Category:League of Ireland managers

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