Greg McGonigle has been appointed as the new senior football manager for the Armagh Ladies. The Derry native takes over from Shane McCormack, the new Meath manager, who stood down at the end of last season.
McGonigle has an extensive CV and vast experience at inter-county level having managed both Monaghan and Dublin ladies teams in recent years, taking both counties to All-Ireland finals, but agonisingly losing to Cork five times on the biggest day.
As Monaghan manager, McGonigle saw his side lose by two-points in 2011 and then by the minimum of margins two years later before stepping down.
He then guided the Dubs to three consecutive All-Ireland finals in 2014, 2015 and 2016 but Cork again proved their undoing, winning by one (’14) two (‘15) and one again (’16)
McGonigle inherits an Armagh side that are within touching distance of the big prize and his main priority will be the turn the Orchard County into serious top contenders for the All-Ireland crown.
Armagh reached the semi-finals in 2020, losing to Dublin, and have reached the last eight of the All-Ireland series three years on the trot, but tasted defeats to Meath (’21), Kerry (’22) and more recently Cork, who proved too strong this season and earned a 0-14 to 2-6 win.
Armagh did earn promotion to the top tier in the league, having been knocking on the door at the top of Division Two over the last number of seasons. This season they finally made the breakthrough, beating Laois in the Division Two league final at Croke Park.
The Orchard Ladies lost their grip on the provincial title however as Donegal defeated them in the decider, ending their bid for four in a row. The loss of Aimee Mackin to injury late in the game derailed their ambitions of continuing their winning streak.
Armagh LGFA said in statement released on Twitter: “Following a lengthy interview process and full support from clubs tonight (Tuesday) at our county board meeting, Armagh are delighted to announce that Greg McGonigle will be the new senior football manager for the 2024 season.”
“Those involved in ladies football will need no introduction to Greg, he has managed teams at the highest level and the Armagh committee are delighted to have him on board for 2024. We look forward to a successful year and wish Greg and his team good luck for the new season.”
