Orchard boss Kernan re-appointed

Joe Kernan could be in charge of Armagh's footballers for the next three years after being re-appointed as manager at a county board meeting last night.

The larger-than-life Crossmaglen clubman was ratified, along with his backroom team of of Paul Grimley and John McCloskey (trainer), for another three years.

Kernan took on the position in August 2001 having guided Crossmaglen to three All-Ireland club title (1997, 1999, 2000), three Ulster championships (1996, 1998, 1999) and five successive Armagh SFC crowns (1996-2000).

The two-time All-Star led Armagh to the promised land in his first season in charge, helping them to a maiden All-Ireland SFC title by beating Kerry in the 2002 final.

2005 saw Kernan and company guide the Orchard men to National League glory for the first time, whilst a third Anglo-Celt Cup, adding to wins in 2002 and 2004, was also gained in Ulster.

Last month's one-point semi-final loss to Tyrone - in their third championship encounter with the Red Hands this year - was a bitter pill to swallow for Armagh though, and rumours surfaced that Kernan, who recently returned home from a holiday in Spain, was about to throw in the towel.

But the Armagh county board have ended that speculation by handing the former inter-county midfielder/forward a new three-year deal.

Despite missing out on a second Sam Maguire Cup, 2005 was still a heady year for Kernan's side - 13 wins in 17 league and championship matches, with only Tyrone, in the All-Ireland semi, and Wexford, in their NFL Division 1B opener, defeating them.

The progression of Kernan's sons Aaron (21) and Stephen (22) to the Armagh panel this year is likely to have played a part in his decision to stay on.

Wing-back Aaron was a regular starter while half-forward Stephen made substitute appearances against Derry and Laois in the championship.