Former Derry footballer Conletih Gilligan has joined Kieran McGeeney’s management team for the 2024 season.
As reported by the Irish News, Gilligan will join Ciaran McKeever and Kieran Donaghy on McGeeney’s coaching ticket.
Gilligan spent the season with Tyrone club Edendork, who were knocked out of the championship last weekend.
He coached Kilcoo to an All-Ireland club title back in 2022 under the guidance of Mickey Moran.
An All-Ireland club winner himself with Ballinderry in 2002, Gilligan then took the management position once Moran stepped down.
He guided Kilcoo to another Down title and to the Ulster final where Malachy O’Rourke’s Glen ended their reign.
Orchard history
Gilligan played against Armagh three times in the championship before hanging up the boots in 2012.
The former Ballinderry sharpshooter lost to the Orchard County in 2005 and 2007. He was held scoreless in both games.
Gilligan had to wait until 2011 to experience his first championship victory over Armagh, in the Ulster semi-final.
He rattled off 1-5 that day as the Oak Leaf County blew Armagh away to reach the decider with a 3-14 to 1-11 win.
A popular TV pundit with BBC, Gilligan is regarded as one of the best coaches in the province and is a welcome addition to the Armagh set up.
The Irish Examiner also reported last week that Kerry legend Kieran Donaghy will also return to the fold.
The four-time All-Ireland winner and 2006 Player of the Year joined McGeeney’s team for the 2021 season.
Armagh’s eyes will be on earning promotion to the top tier having suffered relegation last season.
They also reached the Ulster final for the first time since 2008 but lost to Derry after a penalty shootout.
McGeeney’s men also featured in back-to-back All-Ireland quarter-finals for the first time in 17 years.
With the likes of Oisin O’Neill, Niall Grimley and Tiernan Kelly back from injury, Armagh will hope for another good year.
