Kernan named as manager of the year

JOE KERNAN, who managed Armagh to their first All-Ireland SFC title, was named Philips Manager of the Year at the Berkeley Court, Dublin, yesterday.

Kernan’s success merely added to the wonderful sense of history of the occasion. As this was the 21st anniversary of the awards, all the winners were invited back for presentations and to savour past glories.

Jack Charlton, represented by his son, won the award on four occasions for his heroics with the Irish soccer team and Brian Kerr was twice a winner for his under-age successes. Jim McLaughlin has also been a soccer award winner.

Back in 1990 we had a double winner in recognition of Cork’s magnificent double achievement, Billy Morgan and Fr Michal O’Brien getting the accolades.

Indeed the GAA have taken a firm grip on the awards down the years, with Down’s Pete McGrath, Kerry’s Mick O’Dwyer, Meath’s Sean Boylan and Donegal’s Brian McEniff rewarded for leading their counties to football glory.

Hurling, too, is well recognised with the very first winner in Kilkenny’s Pat Henderson, Wexford’s Liam Griffin and Clare’s Ger Loughnane all coming out on top.

Racing’s John Oxx, golf’s Brendan Edwards, rugby’s Mick Doyle and motorsport’s Eddie Jordan, have also been triumphant and make up a truly great sporting list.

But the day belonged to Kernan and most of the past winners were there to share in his triumph.

A skilful, elegant footballer, Kernan has performed at the highest level, being on the losing All-Ireland final team against Dublin in 1977 despite scoring two goals. He has also brought Crossmaglen to All-Ireland club glory on three occasions.

Kernan, who was accompanied by his wife Patricia, was presented with the award by Sports Minister John O’Donoghue.

Said a delighted Kernan; “I’ve played for 17 years with Armagh without any success but I doubt if even winning an All-Ireland medal could have paralleled being successful with this team, a great bunch of players.

“I’ve been here before on two occasions during the years and I’ve built up a solid relationship in other codes since. We might be a small nation but when you’ve got heart as big as the Irish anything is possible,” he said.

“One thing I have learned, is never to be afraid to pick up the phone and ask for advice, even from other counties. I’ve done that and it’s proved a winning formula. We’re already looking forward to retaining our title but really it’s up to the players now.”