Donie Buckley has left his role as part in Kerry senior footballers backroom, it was confirmed earlier today. Buckley had been a key part of the management team under Peter Keane up to this point.
In a statement on the Kerry GAA website, Kerry County Board Chairman Tim Murphy confirmed Buckley's departure:
I wish to confirm that Donie Buckley is no longer a member of the Kerry Senior Football Management Team.
On behalf of the Board, the senior football panel & management and Kerry Supporters, I want to thank Donie for his very valuable contribution to the development of our players over the past 18 months and wish him the very best in the future.
It is not intended to make any further appointments to the senior football management team. The existing management team will continue to take responsibility for all aspects of team preparation and selection.
Previously part of the backroom team in Mayo, Buckley was largely credited with Kerry's vast improvement in defence during the 2019 season. That was a run that saw them come within a kick of winning the All-Ireland, while they are expected to go toe-to-toe with the Dubs again this year.
Outside of Dublin, is there any coach with a record like Donie Buckley's right now? He's helped a team to an All-Ireland final in 3 out of the last 4 years and six this decade. Can't be a coincidence... pic.twitter.com/NgSuShZvGY
— Maurice Brosnan (@m_brosnan) August 12, 2019
The timing certainly isn't ideal, with Kerry in the midst of their league campaign. While the championship will be the main focus, this does add a bit of extra pressure on the team heading into the summer.
Don’t like this. The initial appointment forced on Kerry management. The defence is a serious issue. You would imagine Buckley could help it. No one will know the ins and outs but Peter Keane just lumped a pile of pressure on himself and fellas will be waiting!!! https://t.co/hWwdDZLqpK
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) March 7, 2020
