Kernan to remain at Armagh's helm

Joe Kernan is to continue as manager of the Armagh senior footballers - 2007 will be the Crossmaglen clubman's sixth season in charge.

In a brief statement released last night, the Armagh County Board confirmed that the affable Kernan will be staying put with John Rafferty, who guided St Gall's through to this year's All-Ireland club final, to come in as his new assistant.

Rafferty replaces Paul Grimley, who stepped down recently after five years in the Armagh think-tank.

Kernan, who replaced joint-managers Brian Canavan and Brian McAlinden in August 2001, has presided over a wonderfully successful spell for the Orchard men with an All-Ireland SFC title (2002), four Ulster SFC crowns (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006) and a National League title (2005) in the trophy cabinet.

This season saw Kernan's side pick up their third successive Anglo-Celt Cup in Ulster, but their All-Ireland run was somewhat surprisingly ended by Kerry at the quarter-final stage.

The Armagh County Board were admittedly "pleased" with Kernan's decision to take up the reins again for next year, and they thanked Armagh Harps clubman Grimley for "all his hard work and commitment over the last five years."

Armagh's footballers received a further boost when it was confirmed that John McCloskey will be continuing in his role of fitness coach.

Meanwhile, both the Armagh Under-21 and minor football management teams will be unchanged for 2007 - Peter McDonnell, Benny O'Kane and Gary Mallon will lead the U-21s again, while the minors will come under the tutelage of Paul Kelly, Denis Hollywood and Brendan Hughes.

Club officials met with the Armagh County Board last night to ratify the re-appointments.