'Full of pride, memories and deep gratitude': Donaghy steps down as Armagh selector and forwards coach

The Tralee native was a huge factor in the county’s All Ireland winning success last year but after five years of regularly making the 500-plus-miles round-trip commute, he informed Kieran McGeeney in recent days that his time with the county was done

Armagh's Rian O'Neill and selector Kieran Donaghy after the loss to Kerry. File picture: James Crombie/Inpho

Kieran Donaghy has stepped down as selector and forwards coach to the Armagh senior footballers.

The Tralee native was a huge factor in the county’s 2024 All-Ireland win, only the second in their history, but after five years of regularly making the 500-plus-miles round-trip, he informed manager Kieran McGeeney last week and the Armagh players over the weekend that his time with the county was done.

In a post on X, Donaghy noted he has left McGeeney's Armagh set up "full of pride, memories and deep gratitude".

"Five incredible years with Armagh GAA have come to an end, and I walk away full of pride, memories, and deep gratitude.

"Thank you to Kieran McGeeney, who took a chance on a rookie coach. You said one year, it became five, only you could pull that off. You said I could help and that you would help me in return. You were a man of your word every step of the way. To the backroom team, thank you for pushing me, teaching me, and raising the bar. I learned so much just being around ye.

"To the players, what a group. Tough, resilient, and relentless.

"Watching you chase your dream and finally reach the top in 24 was a privilege. Especially to the older lads, you never stopped believing and you earned every bit of it. Thanks to the Armagh County Board for all their support.

"A huge thanks to the Fegan family and all in Basil Sheils. Mark, Bernice, and all the crew, thanks for giving us a home away from home. The farmhouse will always be a special place to the Donaghys.

"To Hilary, thank you for standing by me through it all as always. Your support made it all possible. Lola Rose, Indie, Ruby May, you were part of every step and loved every journey made to Armagh.

"To my Mom, thank you for always stepping in and holding the fort when needed. And to the people of Armagh, thanks for the warmth, the welcome, and the unwavering support.

"As my Nan always said: 'No ifs. No buts. Only total faith.'"

It is expected, however, that McGeeney himself will remain on as Armagh manager for a 12th season, as should most of his other coaches, including Conleith Gilligan who has been linked with the managerial vacancy in his native Derry.

Every year Donaghy had with Armagh was supposed to be his last. In 2021 he came on board for what was meant to be just the one season but with it being curtailed by Covid, he decided to remain on after their two-point Ulster semi-final defeat to Monaghan. The following year then they reached the All-Ireland quarter-finals, having dumped reigning champions Tyrone out of the championship before losing themselves to eventual finalists Galway on penalties.

At the end of 2023 he felt he couldn’t walk away either after the side lost to both Derry in the Ulster final and Monaghan in the All-Ireland quarter-final on penalties.

His persistence was rewarded. In 2024, despite again losing an Ulster final on penalties, Armagh went on to win the All Ireland, defeating his native county Kerry in the semi-final along the way.

Last offseason his name was touted with several other coaching positions, including as a selector to Jack O’Connor in Kerry, but Donaghy, out of a sense of loyalty to McGeeney and the lure of attempting back-to-back titles which he pulled off as a player in 2007, opted to remain on for one final year.

This past season Armagh managed to get back to an Ulster final for a third consecutive year, only to be foiled by Donegal by a point after extra-time. They also topped the group of death in the Sam Maguire stages, beating Dublin well in Croke Park, but then in the All-Ireland quarter-final they were blitzed by Kerry in the third quarter.

With a young family, demanding job with PST Sports and the toll of five years on the road, Donaghy felt the adventure had come to a natural end.

He will undoubtedly be linked to other coaching positions closer to his native county or possibly even within it in the coming months, and Kerry will likely look to get him involved somewhere within their system, possibly at underage.

That though is for later. Within the Armagh setup he was both beloved and respected for his coaching acumen and general bonhomie.

“He brings so many things to the table,” team coach Ciaran McKeever said last year. “He’s great to be around but he’s also an excellent coach with a great head for the game.”

An Armagh statement thanked Donaghy for the "incredible impact" he made across his five years.

Thank you Kieran Donaghy.

"As Kieran Donaghy steps away from his role with the Armagh Senior Football Team, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible impact he has made over the past five years.

"His belief in this group never wavered, and his presence helped shape the identity, resilience and ambition of our team. His energy on the training field, in the dressing room, and on game days was inspiring.

"Being part of the team that delivered our second All-Ireland title is a legacy that will live long in our hearts, and his influence will be felt for many years to come.

"On behalf of the players, management and backroom team, county board and fans — thank you, Kieran, for everything."