By Cian O'Connell

Kerry GAA has released a statement confirming that Eamonn Fitzmaurice will remain in charge of the senior football team for the 2018 campaign.

Fitzmaurice, who guided Kerry to All Ireland glory in 2014, has opted to continue in the role.

Tim Murphy, Kerry County Board Chairman, said: "This decision is very welcome and removes any uncertainty, allowing us to begin our preparations for the forthcoming season.

"Despite winning the Allianz League and Munster football titles this year and the continuing unprecedented success at under-age and schools grades, we all fully recognise and acknowledge the great hunger for senior championship success among the Kerry GAA community.

"Working closely with Éamonn and his management team, the Kerry County Board is determined to provide the resources and supports necessary in order to ensure that Kerry achieves this success as soon as possible."

Murphy also stated that he will be proposing that Fitmaurice is ratified for a further two years at the next County Committee Meeting on October 16.

"In order to provide stability and underpin this programme I will be proposing that Éamonn Fitzmaurice be ratified as senior manager for a further two year term (2019/2020) at the next Co. Committee Meeting on 16th October next. "This proposal was unanimously supported by the Executive of the Kerry County Board at a meeting last evening.

"I am very confident that a strong collective effort will ensure that the phenomenal success we have achieved at minor level will be translated into senior success in the coming years."