Kieran McGeeney will continue as Armagh senior football team manager for a ninth consecutive season in 2023.

McGeeney succeeded Paul Grimley in the role in 2015 and has made steady progress ever since.

The 2022 season was the best yet, as an exciting young Armagh team held their own in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League and reached the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final where they lost a thriller to Galway.

“It’s just the way sport is. It’s cruel,” said McGeeney after his team exited the championship that day after a penalty shoot-out.

“It’s a tough ask to get up to the top, it takes a couple of years. But the group out there, I’ll be honest with you, they are better footballers than we ever were. But you need a wee bit of luck.

“The fellas I have had over the years have been good lads. Real good lads. You can get a ball of bees, that are hard to deal with. I have been very lucky in that respect. I have good people around me. I like bringing in people who argue with me which doesn’t help the grey hair, but they are strong individuals.

“And I have strong players. I have got to as many quarter-finals as most managers out there. It’s just getting that wee kick. It’s just a bit of luck. I am not saying I am a good manager, I enjoy it. I love football, I love my county and I love the GAA. Not always reciprocated, but it is definitely a passion.”