Kieran McGeeney and the art of not giving in

McGeeney is currently the longest-serving inter-county football manager after Colm Collins stepped down as Clare boss

OVER THE LINE: Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney during the GAA Football All-Ireland SFC match against Galway at Avant Money Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

He could not stomach mediocrity. This is how it was. This is how it is. Justin McNulty’s first recollection of his club-mate Kieran McGeeney reinforces his three-word summary of his persona now: the ultimate competitor.

“Geezer was sitting in the back of the Mullaghbawn minibus, parked the far side of the pitch and Charlie Grant, our long-serving mentor, was giving out to him. I’ll never forget it. Geezer was crying because Charlie had criticised some part of his performance.”