JACK O’CONNOR was last night appointed the new Kerry U21 manager, taking over the reins from Darragh O’Se who spent three years in the role.

The Dromid Pearses man has previous experience with the Kerry U21s, having spent time as a selector on All-Ireland winning side in 1995. In 1996 he took over as manager winning the title that year and again in 1998.

Jack O’Connor managed Kerry to their first All-Ireland minor title in 20 years last year. He will be looking to bring that midas touch to the U21 setup which has been enduring a barren few years of late.

It’s 2008 since Kerry last claimed an U21 All-Ireland title. For five years in a row Cork have beaten Kerry in the competition, most recently last March. That defeat pulled the curtain down on Darragh O’Sé’s tenure.

Jack O’Connor’s impressive pedigree as a coach has seen him win three All-Ireland senior titles with Kerry, first in 2004, then 2007 and 2009. He also tasted Hogan Cup success with, Coláiste na Sceilge, in 2009.

O’Connor’s management team is expected to be announced as soon as his time as Kerry minor manager comes to an end.

The Kerry minors face Tipperary in the Munster Final on July 5.