It's funny how a few months can change everything. It's changed everything for Kieran McGeeney and Armagh.
Last season, his side lost both the Ulster final and All-Ireland quarter-final on penalties. After a thrilling 2022 quarterfinal defeat (again in penalties) to Galway, there were grumblings within Armagh that perhaps the McGeeney era had run its course.
Early last August, Kieran McGeeney, the longest-serving manager in the inter-county game, faced a crucial vote. This vote would determine whether or not he would be granted a 10th year in charge of the Armagh footballers, a tenure that began back in August 2013.
McGeeney won the backing of the county's clubs and nearly one year later, he has guided his native county to their first All-Ireland final in 21 years after they defeated Kerry 1-18 to 1-16 after extra time. The weight of this decision is palpable, given the significance of his tenure and recent achievements.
Club delegates met at the Athletic Grounds to discuss and vote reports speculating that a minority would oppose the extension.
McGeeney had retained the support of the management committee, however, and the wording of the statement released via Armagh GAA’s social media channels suggests the vote was relatively straightforward, although 16 clubs did vote against.
Peter Canavan's message to the clubs who voted against Geezer
It is a testament to the unity within the Armagh football team that McGeeney retains the backing of the current squad. Several of their more experienced members have publicly expressed their wish for him to continue, instilling a sense of reassurance and confidence in the team's future.
Speaking post-match on RTÉ, Tyrone great Peter Canavan had a message for those clubs who voted against keeping McGeeeney on.
He said with a laugh before RTÉ went off air:
"The only thing you mentioned was those clubs who voted to get rid of McGeeney last year. I just hope those Armagh clubs that were looking to get rid off him now will get a reduced ticket allocation for the final."
It's a great line. Interestingly, some Kildare fans were tonight also ruing the decision to Geezer out more than a decade ago.
A gentle reminder of those that voted Geezer out eleven years ago pic.twitter.com/Ph8bbNbFXc
— RichardCommins (@Richard_Commins) July 13, 2024
McGeeney is still waiting to win his first piece of silverware as manager and could become the first-ever manager to win Sam Maguire without ever winning a provincial.
