Peter McDonnell has announced the end of his two-year reign as Armagh football manager following the county’s disappointing All-Ireland campaign that was ended by Monaghan in the first round of qualifiers earlier this month.
McDonnell replaced Joe Kernan and led the Orchard County to their 14th Ulster title last summer before they exited the championship with a defeat to Wexford in the qualifiers.
They went out in the first round in Ulster this year, beaten 2-10 to 1-10 by All-Ireland champions Tyrone, before losing to Monaghan by a point in the qualifiers.
In a statement, Armagh chairman Kevin Brady thanked McDonnell for his contribution to the county in what he admitted are difficult times at senior level.
“Peter showed tremendous conviction in accepting the role, given the challenge of the team’s success in recent years, and the fact that a number of high profile and extremely talented players had also left the inter-county scene.
“This was a test that he met head-on, and a number of new faces from his highly successful under-21 squad and from the county club scene were integrated comfortably to the panel.
“The winning of an Ulster provincial championship in his first year could not be underestimated, and Peter was disappointed not to build on this and reach the closing stages of the All-Ireland series.”
Former Armagh captain and present Kildare boss Kieran McGeeney may well be tempted to return to his native county, despite his success with the Lilywhites.
Meanwhile, John Considine was tonight named as the new Cork minor hurling following a County Board meeting. He steps down from the same position with the under-21 side, with a decision on who takes that post deferred until a later date. Rebel legend Jimmy Barry-Murphy has been tipped to succeed him.
Considine will be assisted by Ronan Dwane (Aghada), Pat Mulcahy (Newtownshandrum), John O Callaghan (Donoughmore), with one more selector to be announced shortly. They will serve a two-year term.