Armagh bosses stand down

Brian McAlinden and Brian Canavan have resigned

Armagh joint managers Brian McAlinden and Brian Canavan have resigned.

The county board confirmed on Saturday afternoon that both men had asked not to be considered for the posts of team managers for next season.

McAlinden and Canavan had been in charge for six years.

They led the county to Ulster Championships in 1999 and 2000.

But on both occasions they failed to reach the All Ireland final.

They came closest in last year' s two semi-final games against Kerry. Armagh lost the replay after extra-time and Kerry went on to lift the Sam Maguire.

This season they lost to Tyrone in the first round and their attempt to get through via the qualifying series was thwarted by Galway.

Former Crossmaglen boss Joe Kernan is regarded as the favourite to succeed the two Brians. He guided Cross to three All Ireland club titles.

Huge enjoyment

A statement from the Armagh County Board said it regretted McAlinden and Canavan's decision.

It added that their duo's success in bringing back-to-back Ulster Championship titles to the county had given huge enjoyment to tens of thousands of Armagh supporters.

"We share their disappointment in losing out narrowly in the search for All Ireland glory," said the board statement.

"We thank them for having taken us so close on two occasions."

McAlinden and Canavan, in a joint statement, thanked the players, county board and supporters for their support.