It has taken time to get things right for Kieran McGeeney and his Armagh team, who are routinely undermined by Joe Brolly, his fiercest critic.
His start was disastrous. Armagh suffered a series of humiliating defeats, and Donegal beat them by nine points in 2015 and 12 in 2020. Cavan had eight points to spare in 2016, and Monaghan hit 4-17 against them in 2021.
Even after losing to Derry in the 2023 Ulster final, Brolly wrote in his Sunday Independent column that ‘Kieran hangs over them like a ton of weight.
“Fifteen years (Kildare then Armagh) without a trophy. Maybe management is not his forte?”
It’s a strong argument.
Yes, Kildare failed to win trophies under McGeeney, but they did win respect and a place in five All-Ireland quarter-finals and the 2010 All-Ireland semi-final. In his final year, he coached the county’s Under 21s to a Leinster title and then got voted out by county delegates.
However, a year is a long time in the punditry business and McGeeney and his men have had the last laugh. He became the first manager to win an All-Ireland final without winning a provincial title. They secured their second title and their first in 22 years on Sunday, defeating Galway 1-11 to 0-13.
Brolly's words resurfaced on Twitter after Armagh won their second All-Ireland final on Sunday. Meanwhile a few Armagh players invoked Brolly's name in their post-match celebrations
Armagh shot-stopper Blaine Hughes got inspiration from selector and coach Kieran Donaghy, who used his famous “Joe Brolly, what do you think of that?” quote in a cheeky kiss with the Sam Maguire Cup.
What do ya think of that Joe Brolly!! pic.twitter.com/LMTb9RqALD
— Blaine Hughes (@blainehughes95) July 28, 2024
Ciaran Mackin did the same on the Armagh team bus with Star beside him.
Donaghy, of course, used some criticism from Brolly to inspire him during the dark days of 2014, when his career looked like it could be over.
McGeeney is now the 14th man in the last 50 years to win the Sam Maguire as a player and manager, joining an illustrious list that includes Paidí Ó Sé, Jim Gavin, and Mick O'Dwyer.
It's not bad company for a man who had to face a vote this time last year at an Armagh County board meeting.
After making history, he could stay for as long as he likes. As he said himself in the aftermath of the All-Ireland, if you're going to win a cup, might as well make it the big one.
Brolly, for his own part, has been a great supporter of this Armagh team this year and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the Armagh victory.
😂👏👏👏👏 well done kiddo https://t.co/KerTq3Gmyn
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) July 30, 2024
