Football

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney set to extend stay at Orchard helm

Armagh's Kieran McGeeney will be offered the chance to remain at the helm of the Orchard county. Picture by Philip Walsh.
Armagh's Kieran McGeeney will be offered the chance to remain at the helm of the Orchard county. Picture by Philip Walsh. Armagh's Kieran McGeeney will be offered the chance to remain at the helm of the Orchard county. Picture by Philip Walsh.

KIERAN McGeeney looks likely to continue as Armagh manager. The Irish News understands that McGeeney, whose fifth season as Orchard county bainisteoir ended with a one-point defeat to Mayo in the third round of the All-Ireland Qualifiers, will be offered the chance to extend his time in charge of his native county.

After the loss to Mayo in Castlebar, the Mullabawn native said there were “101 reasons” for him to walk away from the position he inherited from Paul Grimley after a year as his assistant in 2014.

However, it is understood that he is prepared to stay on and will be offered at least one more season at the helm. McGeeney is due to meet with the Armagh county board before the end of July and any decision taken at that meeting regarding his future as manager will then need to be ratified by Armagh’s clubs.

Armagh’s 2019 season was derailed by a repeated failure to win close games. In the League, two draws – both after match-winning situations had been established – were followed by two one-point losses which scuppered any chance of a step up to Division One.

In the Championship, Armagh ended their wait for an Ulster win by seeing off Down and, despite the provincial semi-final replay loss to Cavan, there was a widespread feeling of optimism among fans and players when the curtain came down on Armagh’s season in Castlebar on June 29.