AIDAN Forker has paid a glowing tribute to Jim McCorry who stepped down as Armagh’s assistant manager after three years involved with the senior panel.
McCorry could not be contacted last night, but it is understood he’s departed for personal and family reasons.
Forker was “disappointed” to learn of McCorry’s exit and thanked the veteran coach for helping him over the past few seasons which saw Armagh jump from Division Three to Division One.
“I’m obviously disappointed that Jim has decided to step away for his own reasons,” said Forker.
“But in the context of what's happening across the island no-one only ourselves can judge what’s right for ourselves and our families and the ability to commit to what's required at this level.
“A passionate coach who has helped me personally over the last couple of years with his advice and coaching of the details. Most importantly Jim is a top man, a true Armagh man and I've no doubt if and when he returns to a team he'll bring them on.”
It was only last week McCorry was quoted in The Irish News on welcoming the return of Ross McQuillan and Ciaron O'Hanlon to the 2021 panel.
McCorry suffered ill-health a few years ago but made a full recovery and was a big catch for manager Kieran McGeeney.
A former manager of his native Armagh, McCorry also spent a brief time with Down.
In November it was announced he would take the Burren reins but it was expected McCorry would be able to fulfil both coaching roles at club and county given the split season.
However, with the ubiquitous virus taking a firm grip of the island, the former Kilcoo manager might have thought the risk of staying involved in these pre-vaccination days was simply too great.
McCorry’s departure leaves a massive hole in McGeeney’s managerial team and even though former Kerry star Kieran Donaghy has joined the Orchard County, McCorry will take some replacing.
McGeeney enters his seventh year as Armagh manager.
The Mullaghbawn man was desperately disappointed with the team’s meek Ulster Championship exit to Donegal in November.
The Orchard men will make their first appearance in the National League’s re-jigged top flight under ‘Geezer’ later this year.
