Okwute makes comeback for Kerry FC

Killarney man Daniel Okwute has rejoined League of Ireland side Kerry FC following a spell on the books of Stockport County.

The 19-year-old made the move from Kerry’s U19 set-up to Stockport in 2022 and after playing for Finn Harps on loan earlier this year, he now returns to Kerry for the remainder of the season

The centre forward will don the number 21 shirt for Kerry FC.

“It feels great to be back here in Kerry and to get the chance to play for Kerry FC in our first season in the senior League of Ireland,” Okwute said upon re-signing for the Tralee-based club. “I played in the academy here for a number of years and it always gave me a sense of pride to wear the Kerry jersey.

“I’m looking forward to teaming up with the boys. There are a lot of familiar faces in and around the dressing room and I was impressed by them when I went down to Tralee with Finn Harps earlier in the year.”

First Team Manager Billy Dennehy said:

“It’s great to have Daniel back. He is a young player who started off this journey with myself and James Sugrue many years ago when we first took over the Kerry U17s. He developed really well in the underage leagues. We brought him up to U19 level when he was still

U17. His performances at that level were really strong.

“From there he got his deserved move to Stockport. You’re obviously at a different stage of your career when you join a professional club and you’re moving away from home with a lot of new elements to contend with. For Daniel, I suppose things didn’t go the way he hoped, but he is still so young in his career he still has so much to do in his football career and many more chapters to add to his story.

“So I’m very excited to be working with Daniel again and helping him to get back to the level I know he is capable of. We will do everything here in Kerry FC to further develop his game and his career over the coming years.

“I know Daniel is hungry and determined to perform well and help Kerry soccer as much as possible.”

Okwute went straight into the starting line-up for last Saturday night’s match against Longford Town in Bishopsgate.

Fellow newcomers Ethan Kos, Martin Coughlan, and goalkeeper Lee Axworthy also made their debuts, but Kerry were unable to secure a result as the hosts ran out 2-1 winners. Leo Gaxha scored from the spot for Kerry.

Kerry face Ringmahon Rangers tonight (Friday) at home in the first round of the FAI Cup.