Peter McDonnell Resigns - Who's Going to be the next Manager

[Bainisteoir]

Coiste Contae Ard Mhacha wish to announce that it has regrettably accepted the resignation of Peter McDonnell as Armagh Senior Football Manager.

Cathaoirleach Kevin Brady would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank Peter on behalf of the entire County and pay tribute to him for his unquestionable commitment, passion for the county, and dedication to a very demanding post over the last two years. The support and application of his backroom team have also been second to none and have demonstrated the strong volunteer ethos in Armagh GAA.

He added that Peter had shown tremendous conviction in accepting the role, given the challenge of the team’s success in recent years, and the fact that a number of high profile and extremely talented players had also left the inter-county scene. This was a test that he met head-on, and a number of new faces from his highly successful Under-21 squad and from the county club scene were integrated comfortably to the panel.

Kevin said that the winning of an Ulster Provincial Championship in his first year could not be underestimated, and that Peter himself had been disappointed in not being able to build on this and reach the closing stages of the All-Ireland series.

Peter himself is firmly of the opinion that despite the continuing transition period following the retirements of key players in recent months, the current senior panel is more than capable of competing for major honours, keeping the county among the highest echelon of teams, and considers that the county is fortunate to have such a talented and committed panel of players available.

However, he feels after considerable deliberation that even at this stage of development he should step aside, and that the time is right for change at the helm of Armagh senior football.

[Forgodandarmagh]

I would first of all like to take this opportuntity to wish Peter all the best in the future. Now that the manager is gone I think we should look a little deeper into our year of turmoil and ask ourselves was this really all down to Peter and bad management or should others have to stand up and take their medicine. My opinion is that some members of the board should also look at themselves, Peter may have been the manager but did he really make the key decisions. Peter has been the fall guy for the demise of football within the county but anyone that thinks he was on his own making decisions needs to wake up. I would like to see a major clean out and not just that of the direct manager. Those that think Mc Geeney may be a candidate think again as im sure he'd give a different light into the political background of Armagh football.

[Bainisteoir]

I agree entirely with your post especially about the county board. Also, I think supporters and probably players would want geezer as a candidate and manager but neither will happen.

There is quite a few names being mentioned but I'm going to say who I think will land the job...............Brian McAlinden

[Bainisteoir]

From todays Irish News

DEPARTING Armagh manager Peter McDonnell says he and his management team "were continually being sabotaged" by elements "within the county, and not too far removed from the centre of things". The Armagh County Board yesterday released a statement confirming McDonnell and his management team of Benny O'Kane, Dennis Hollywood and Gary Mallon had decided to step down.

McDonnell, who took over from Joe Kernan in September 2007, said last night that he and his selectors felt they couldn't go on because "it got to the stage where, no matter what we were trying to do, we felt we were being undermined".

"We have no issue with the county board, and we have no issue with the vast majority of players. It's an issue with certain bodies outside our team and outside our county board," said McDonnell. "We enjoyed the challenge that managing the county senior team presented to us. We felt we were well equipped and up to the task and every man gave his all for the cause. "However, from the start of this year, there were stories emanating from sources we found very difficult to identify. "Articles ran in your own newspaper about people walking away from the panel.

There were articles referring to food poisoning and one thing or another. I did try to establish who was furnishing newspapers with this information, but drew a blank. Eventually we did establish where it was coming from. "There were stories created, there were fabrications going on, all with the purpose of undermining trust in the group and, indeed, public confidence in the group. "Yes, there were people who left the panel, yes there were people who were given the choice to walk away or be pushed.

The dignified thing is always to say 'it's not for me', and to walk away. We gave people choices. "The bottom line is that we got the panel we wanted. The panel we had, the players we worked along with, were tremendous and got on very well together. There was a tremendous spirit in the group."
McDonnell pointed to a story that appeared in the press the week before the Qualifier loss to Monaghan that claimed he and goalkeeper Paul Hearty had a 'bust-up'. "Both Paul and I were not happy about that," said McDonnell. "it was purely malicious and totally fictitious."


McDonnell and his selectors will release a statement in the next few days, and last night the Mullaghbawn man defended their collective record and credentials. "We took on this job with the best of intentions. We brought an honesty and integrity to it. Anybody who has dealt with us cannot suggest anything other than that - players, media, anybody.

"We didn't have the power to fight the influences that ultimately brought us to our decision, and we're not in the business to be squeezed. Our remit was football. "That management team has had a hand in bringing Ulster Championships at various levels to this county, club, minor U21 and senior.


"This year we didn't have silverware to show, but we don't feel that, in a football sense, our credentials can be questioned in any way. "Were we anywhere else, with the exception of Kerry or Tyrone at the moment, we most likely would not have tendered our resignation. "We don't doubt for one moment that we have the wherewithal and capability to deliver silverware but, nonetheless, the time is right for us to say enough is enough. We wish the next manager, whoever he may be, the best of luck. and I certainly hope I can continue on and enhance Armagh football further."

In its statement yesterday, the Armagh County Board said it "accepted with regret" McDonnell's decision. The statement said Armagh chairman Kevin Brady thanked McDonnell "on behalf of the entire county" and paid tribute to him "for his unquestionable commitment, passion for the county, and dedication to a very demanding post." McDonnell won the Ulster title in his first year, but lost to Wexford in the All-Ireland quarter-final. This year's Championship lasted two games, with defeat to Tyrone in Ulster followed by a loss to Monaghan in the first round of the Qualifiers. McDonnell also had to absorb the retirements of Kieran McGeeney soon after his appointment, and Paul McGrane, Francie Bellew and Paddy McKeever earlier this season.

McDonnell, who had managed the Armagh U21s to an Ulster title in 2007, was appointed ahead of Mickey McConville and Paul Grimley, who had been assistant manager under Joe Kernan and is now assistant to Kieran McGeeney in Kildare.

It seems inevitable McGeeney and Grimley will he strongly linked with the Armagh post, while the other candidates interviewed when McDonnell got the job - McConville, and John Rafferty, who withdrew his name from consideration after his interview-could also all be in the frame. Brian McAlinden, who, along with Brian Canavan, managed Armagh to Ulster titles in 1999 and 2000 could also be a contender, while there are likely to be voices in Armagh calling for Kernan to return.

[Bainisteoir]

Justin McNulty has admitted interest in the vacant Armagh management job.

The Mullaghbawn native stopped short of making an outright declaration but said if he was approached about the position he would be receptive.

"If I was approached about it I'd certainly give it consideration," said McNulty, the team's full-back when they won the All-Ireland title in 2002.

McNulty's coaching CV includes Cavan championship success with Mullahoran in 2006 and getting St Brigid's to a Dublin final in 2007 when they lost to eventual All-Ireland champions St Vincent's.

So far Joe Kernan and Kieran McGeeney have both ruled themselves out to replace the departed Peter McDonnell.

Paul Grimley, McGeeney's assistant in Kildare and the man who many felt would replace Kernan in 2007, is still in the frame however.

Despite being overlooked two years ago he has not made his intentions clear but his taxing journey from Armagh to Kildare may be a factor.

[Bainisteoir]

Kfm Sport has exclusively learned that Kildare selector and coach Paul Grimley is to resign his position. We understand that the main factor involved is the amount of travel that Grimley undertakes between his home in Armagh and the various Kildare training sessions and matches.

Manager Kieran McGeeney is also from Armagh, but resides in Dublin.

Its also thought that the vacancy for the Armagh manager's position is not a factor in Grimley's decision.

Its expected that his departure will be officially announced at the monthly meeting of the County Board on Tuesday evening.