Darragh O Se steps down from Kerry U21 role

Darragh Ó Sé has stepped down from his role as Kerry U21 manager.

Ó Sé confirmed his decision to vacate the role after three years in charge in an interview with Radio Kerry after Wednesday night's Munster U21 semi-final defeat to Cork .

It was the third year in a row that the Kingdom have lost to Cork at the first hurdle in the Munster Championship and Ó Sé says Kerry now need a 'fresh voice' in the dressing room having completed his three-year term.

"I've been there for three years now, enjoyed my time no end. I did a lot of work with the lads and enjoyed my time and I think maybe it's time for somebody else now," Ó Sé said.

"These young fellas have given a huge effort, they're fantastic footballers. They will be fantastic footballers for Kerry. People need a bit of patience with them and a bit of time with them and they'll be very good. Anything we've asked them to do this year, they've done and then some. I'd have to shoulder most of the responsibility for all that."

With six of last year's All-Ireland winning minor team in their ranks last night, Kerry were expected to give five-in-a-row chasing Cork a stern test in Páirc Uí Rinn, but the Rebels produced a powerful finished to the game and ran out three-point winners.