Kerry sign former Kerry All-Ireland winning minor footballer Ferdia O'Brien

Kerry FC have announced the signing of Ferdia O’Brien, a Tralee native and former GAA star, for the upcoming 2024 SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division campaign.

At 25 years old, O’Brien transitions from a Gaelic football career to move into League of Ireland.

O’Brien’s football journey started in his early teens with Kingdom Boys, later playing for St Brendan’s Park from under 14 to 16 levels.

His initial foray into soccer saw him winning three Kerry Leagues and Cups and participating in the National Final at Under 16.

Despite these early successes in soccer, O'Brien shifted to Gaelic football, joining Austin Stacks.

His talents were quickly recognised, leading to his selection for the Kerry minor team coached by Jack O’Connor, where he won two Munster and two All Ireland finals.

O’Brien’s GAA career continued to flourish with Austin Stacks GAA club, where he spent seven years and won multiple championships and leagues.

The introduction of Kerry FC to the county inspired O’Brien to return to soccer. O'Brien can play in both centre midfield and centre back positions.

Discussing his signing, O’Brien expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m absolutely delighted to have signed with Kerry FC. Having played GAA for so many years, giving soccer another go was something that I always wanted to do."

"It’s great that they got Kerry FC up and running in the county. It’s given opportunities to so many young talents in Kerry to play the game at the highest level which is great to see."

"It’s also given me a chance to play again and I feel coming from a different background to everyone else I can be an asset to the team using my experiences from the GAA."

"I can’t wait now to get up and running properly and playing in front of a packed out Mounthawk Park in a few weeks’ time.”