FORMER Kildare forward Eamonn Callaghan believes ex-boss Kieran McGeeney has Armagh on the brink of becoming “a major force” - and potential All-Ireland contenders.
Callaghan’s native county face the Orchardmen on Saturday and, having finally ended their Dublin hoodoo the last day, Glen Ryan’s Lilywhites are hoping to secure their Division One survival at the Athletic Grounds.
With former charges Dermot Earley, Anthony Rainbow and Johnny Doyle among Ryan’s backroom team, McGeeney – who managed Kildare from 2008 until his controversial exit in 2013 - will come up against some familiar figures on the line.
And, with Dublin’s dominance on the wane, Callaghan feels the door has opened for counties like Armagh and Kildare to make their presence felt this summer – and in the years ahead.
“Armagh are just that one little break or bit of luck from really, really breaking out and becoming a major force for the next number of years,” said the 39-year-old, who recently took up a coaching role with the Kildare minors after helping Naas to a first county title in 31 years last November.
“Kieran has done really well, the consistency of management over that time, you can see the players are mad to play for him, and that’s what Kieran brings. He brings that trust and that belief with players.
“They’re just that one little break away from really being a force to be reckoned with in the All-Ireland. If they could win an Ulster, and that’s not out of the question, I wouldn’t be backing against them for the rest of the year.”
A first provincial crown since 2008 would be “a massive step” for Armagh, and Callaghan believes that - after more than a decade of watching the Dubs run away with Leinster - the Lilywhites will now fancy their chances.
“Kildare are in the same kind of bracket as Armagh at the minute - the difference is the Ulster Championship is so competitive, with four or five teams who can win it, where Leinster has just been a non-contest for the last 10 years almost.
“This year, it’s a different story. Kildare have a big chance this year if they can keep their momentum going.”
