Kildare GAA has had very little to sing about in recent years, in fact, after last season, they are practically mute.
They were relegated to Division Three, eliminated from the Tailteann Cup at the quarter-final stages, and Glenn Ryan stepped down as manager when the season finally came to an end.
The mood is sombre, and there isn't much to be excited about for Kildare football fans, however, the news that Brian Flanagan has taken the job should lift the mood in the Leinster team again.
Here are five reasons that Kildare fans should be exited about Brian Flanagan:
5. A County Native
This maybe doesn't sound like it should be that important, considering that Glenn Ryan was obviously a county legend, and the last season under his tenure was fairly disappointing.
However, Kildare have had a lot of success in recent years at underage level, so the younger players need a manager who understands the county, the clubs, and the development plan.
Sometimes when a county is struggling, you need someone that is there for all of the right reasons, and doesn't just see the job as a stepping stone to bigger things.
4. Division Three
This obviously isn't where Kildare want to be, but for a team that are looking a fresh start, it could be the perfect opportunity to springboard their season.
The side haven't won a string of games consecutively for years, but in the third division, it wouldn't surprise anybody if they went out and won the majority of matches.
This gives them an opportunity to build confidence, experiment tactically without the fear of being exposed by more powerful teams like Armagh or Donegal did last year, and will also make it easier for players from the successful underage groups to transition into the panel, and adjust to senior level.
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3. Aidan O'Rourke
Armagh legend Aidan O'Rourke has been the assistant manager at massive footballing counties like Donegal and Down, and this year managed the Armagh minors to their first All-Ireland final since 2009.
For a team that is looking to the future, someone with this experience of managing underage success, and his long history working with Queen's university teams, he could play a vital role in finding the right mix of youth and experience in the county.
O'Rourke himself was a part of the Armagh team that won their first All-Ireland title back in 2002, and will bring valuable expertise and insight to the county.
2. Kieran McGeeney's Heir
Despite some moderate success under Jack O'Connor, Kildare haven't really enjoyed a prolong period of playing competitive football since Kieran McGeeney was managing them more than a decade ago.
The current All-Ireland winning manager regularly brought massive days to the county, but unlike in Armagh who voted to keep him in charge and see the fruits of his work pay off, Kildare made the mistake of voting him out, something which the players disagreed with.
Brian Flanagan was one of those players, so he understands what it is like to play for a Kildare team that is competitive, and what it is like to play under the man who just arguably pulled off the biggest All-Ireland shock in GAA history, so he knows exactly what it is going to take.
Alongside O'Rourke who of course played alongside 'Geezer' for years, the team will get some insight into the style of coaching that is going on in Ulster at the minute, and although some people might turn up their nose at that, there's no questioning that the northern province is churning out the most success in recent times.
1. Flanagan's Track Record Speaks For Itself
It was Flanagan who guided the Lilywhites to back to back U20 Ulster titles, and back to back All-Ireland finals, winning one in 2023 - so his track record is clear to see.
Imagine being a youngster who played for him in those u20 teams, you would be so excited at the chance to play under him again, get your opportunity and senior level, and continue this incredible journey.
It also means that the younger squad of players making their way through won't carry the same baggage or hurt that some of the senior men have had to endure in recent years.
If Flanagan can successfully transition key players from the u20 team to senior level, whilst getting the best out of star men like Daniel Flynn, and James Kirwan, then they could be a real force next season.
