Despite being confirmed as Ireland senior manager yesterday, Stephen Kenny isn't in a 'celebratory mood' as he assumes the biggest role of his career.
The Tallaght native, in an interview with the FAI's in-house team, said that while he's delighted, his 'thoughts are with the frontline workers at the present moment'.
Kenny touched on the unprecedented times we're living in when speaking to Irish fans, urging people to stay indoors, stay safe and look after each other. He then promised that, in an almost double entendre, that 'there are better days ahead'.
However, Kenny was quick to praise the man he's replacing, as well as the outgoing staff of the previous regime.
He talked about Mick McCarthy's 'tremendous' Ireland career, both as captain and as a two-time Ireland manager.
Kenny talked about lamenting the 'unfortunate' circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, which meant McCarthy didn't get the opportunity to see out the remainder of his contract, be it after the European Championships or otherwise.
Either way, Kenny looked forward to getting stuck in to the role, particularly an unprecedented calendar of games which are scheduled due to the pandemic.
It's an incredible year. The Euro play-off against Slovakia, six games in the Nations League and World Cup qualifiers.
It's unprecedented, nine games between September and November.
The former Dundalk and Derry City boss expanded on his staffing choices, with Keith Andrews, Damien Duff and Alan Kelly set to come on-board.
Kenny remarked on the 'rapport' that has developed between himself and Andrews during his tenure as Ireland U-21 boss.
Andrews will be joined on the coaching ticket by Damien Duff, currently first-team coach at Celtic. The Ballyboden native will join Kenny's set-up whilst continuing his commitments at the Glasgow club. Kenny mentioned Duff's work-ethic, something he took from his playing career to his coaching career, as a reason for earmarking him for a role.
Alan Kelly remains as goalkeeping coach, having held the role under Mick McCarthy, as well as holding the role under Steve Staunton and Giovanni Trappatoni.
Kenny also issued a congratulations to his U-21 assistant Jim Crawford, with the former Shelbourne player replacing Kenny as U-21 boss. He will be assisted by Ireland legend John O'Shea.
