Football

Greg McGonigle steps down as Joe Feeney and Darnell Parkinson take over Armagh ladies

McGonigle won two trophies during his season at the helm

Gregory McGonigle
Outgoing Armagh ladies' football manager Gregory McGonigle. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile (Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE)

GREG McGonigle has stepped down as Armagh manager after just one year in charge, with Joe Feeney and Darnell Parkinson taking over.

The new joint-managers were members of McGonigle’s management team last season.

McGonigle took the reins at the start of last season from Shane McCormack after guiding Clann Eireann to the Ulster senior club title.

Armagh enjoyed a successful 2024, winning two trophies and reaching the last four of the All-Ireland series.

The Orchard ladies created history in April when they won the Division One league title for the first time in their history, beating Kerry by five points at Croke Park.

The Kingdom were to gain revenge, however, in the All-Ireland semi-final a few months later.

McGonigle also led the ladies in orange and white to an Ulster title when they saw off Donegal after extra-time, but that victory came at a cost as sharp-shooter Aimee Mackin suffered an ACL injury for the second time in her career.

Mackin missed out on the All-Ireland championship run, in which Armagh beat Meath and drew with Tipperary to finish top of their group, before seeing off Mayo in the quarter-finals.

A first-half goal from Niamh Ni Chonchuir helped Kerry nab a four-point victory in the semi-final, denying Armagh a first appearance in the All-Ireland decider since 2006, but they remain a top contender.

In a statement, Armagh LGFA said: “On behalf of the Armagh LGFA, we extend our sincere thanks to Greg Mc Gonigle for his contribution to our Senior Team for the 2024 season.

“Winning the Division 1 NFL for the first time in our history and a return of the Ulster Senior Title, the management team of 2024 brought great joy to Armagh Ladies supporters all over the County. We wish Greg all the best in his future endeavours.”