Kieran McGeeney gets five-year Armagh deal

Kieran McGeeney has been confirmed as the new Armagh senior football manager on a five-year deal.

The Orchard County's former All-Ireland winning captain replaces Paul Grimley, who had stepped down following Armagh's All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Donegal.

McGeeney’s appointment was ratified at a county board meeting this evening and comes after a six-year spell with Kildare.

“Bord Contae Ard Mhacha are delighted to announce the appointment of Kieran McGeeney as manager of the senior football team,” a statement read this evening.

It added: “The County Board would like to express our best wishes to Kieran, his backroom team and to our senior team as they continue to build on their recent progress.

“The County Board hope that under Kieran McGeeney’s leadership this promising team can achieve the success yearned for by the county and its loyal supporters.

“Armagh’s new managerial appointment will be for a fixed term of five years.”

McGeeney returned to work with his native county as a selector under Grimley this season and was widely expected to replace his one-time assistant with the Lilywhites after playing a crucial role in this, the county’s most successful championship since 2006.