Brian Kerr says he was "surprised, delighted and elated" as he learned of his appointment as Republic of Ireland manager back in 2003.

Speaking to Nathan Murphy as part of Jameson Caskmates & Tonic Social Serve Series, Kerr recalled receiving the news and his emotions at the time.

"I was actually in the UAE when I got the call," he explained. "We had an U19 team playing in a four-team tournament and we'd already won our first two games.

"I got a call from Kevin Fahey who was the acting CEO of the FAI at the time to say that the job was mine.

"They'd gone through a process of interviews, I'd had two interviews and they said they'd like to meet me to discuss it.

"I knew I was in with a reasonable shout after the process of the interviews. I had been cut down into a shortlist, I'm not sure how many were on there - it might have been six.

"I knew I was in with a reasonable chance. But I was surprised, delighted and elated.

"I remember calling Noel [King] who was sleeping in the room across from me - this was probably one or two in the morning - and I told him I needed to have a chat with him.

"I told him and we had a fairly emotional hug.

"He said: 'We need to get out with a win tomorrow. We need to win this tournament and go home as winners.'"

Republic of Ireland management team; Chris Hughton (assistant manager, left) and Brian Kerr. Image: INPHO

Kerr's spell as Ireland manager ended after just two years and he was eventually replaced by Steve Staunton in 2006.

The former St. Patrick's Athletic manager went on to take the reins of another national team just three years later when he was appointed manager of the Faroe Island in 2009.

Jameson Caskmates & Tonic Social Serve Series. Please Drink Responsibly, visit DrinkAware.ie