Kerry FC have applied to become the 20th team in next season's League of Ireland.
And Mirror Sport understands that the Munster venture is in a strong position to make the grade for the 2023 First Division season.
The venture is led by Tralee man Billy Dennehy, the former title winning player with Shamrock Rovers who also played for Cork City, St Pat’s, Limerick and Derry.
American-based directors Steven Conway and Brian Ainscough are also key players in the bid.
Ainscough is the executive director of the Boston Bolts college football team in America.
Kerry FC's application to apply for licensing has been accepted by the FAI and a delegation from the association will visit Mounthawk Park later this month.
Mounthawk Park is located on the outskirts of Tralee and has a main stand and artificial pitch.
In a statement, the club said: “Kerry Football Club is delighted to announce that our application to enter the club licensing process with the FAI has been accepted.
“It has been a dream for many years to provide the highest level of senior football in the Kingdom.
“And Kerry FC hope to be successful in our bid to bring League of Ireland football to Mounthawk Park in February 2023.”
The statement continued: “We have been working with the Kerry District League for many months now to realise this dream and complete the player pathway for the players of Kerry after six years competing in underage National Leagues.
“The people of Kerry have always been proud of their appetite to compete at the highest level in all sports.
“And we hope to provide this full pathway for all those players representing Kerry Football Club.
“Kerry FC believe that a successful application will offer real opportunity to promote our game in the Kerry region.
“We look forward to bringing the biggest clubs in Irish football to our county.
“Now that the licensing process is underway, we welcome all offers of support as we share this exciting journey with the people of Kerry.”
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