Kernan a non-runner in Armagh managerial race

Joe Kernan has not ruled out a return to inter-county management with his native Armagh at some stage, but current business and media commitments mean he will not be putting himself forward to replace the departed Peter McDonnell in the role.

McDonnell resigned as Armagh senior football manager on Tuesday after two years in charge. The Mullaghbawn man said that he and his management team 'were continually being sabotaged' by outside sources from within the county.

He told the Irish News: "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.

"From the start of the year, there were stories emanating from sources we found very difficult to identify.

"Articles 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 within the group."

Kernan, McDonnell's predecessor, managed Armagh for six years and guided them to the All-Ireland title in 2002 and four Ulster Championships during that time.

'Big Joe', 55, empathised with McDonnell and just how 'pressurised' and 'lonely' an inter-county manager's job can be.

Writing in his Belfast Telegraph column, he said: "Peter has taken his leave in somewhat acrimonious circumstances - and the rumour mill is already fully operational in relation to the identity of his successor.

"He brought honesty and dedication to the post but results of late did not go his way and he clearly felt he could not continue, given all the current circumstances.

"County team management is now a 24/7, high-pressure, hugely demanding role - let no one tell you differently.

"There is little doubt that others, after a period of reflection perhaps, will adopt the line Peter has taken simply because the demand for success can be almost overpowering."

Kernan has urged the Armagh County Board to adopt a patient approach to finding a new manager, ruling himself out of the equation at the same time.

"Within the past 24 hours I have literally been bombarded with just one question - would you take over as Armagh manager again?," he revealed.

"The answer to that at this point in time must be 'no'.

"I have just started a sports-orientated business (Statsports) which, in the present harsh economic climate, requires my full attention.

"I obviously have family commitments, I am busy with my media pursuits and I relish what little ‘me’ time there is after that!"

Former All-Ireland-winning captain and current Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney is being linked with the vacant post, as is his assistant with the Lilywhites, Paul Grimley, who challenged McDonnell for the job in 2007.

Crossmaglen manager Donal Murtagh has ruled himself out of contention, insisting that his full focus is with Cross, the reigning Ulster club champions.

Kernan, who has four sons on the current Armagh panel, added: "Whoever takes over at the Armagh helm will undoubtedly be afforded the chance to work with an enthusiastic, ambitious group of players all of whom are keen to do their county proud at whatever level they perform.

"Bringing the best out of them will be the brief of Peter McDonnell's successor, whoever he may be. But never say never!"