By Kieran Lynch

NEW Armagh camogie manager McKernan is looking ahead to their first Division Three match of the 2022 season as they get ready to take on Carlow this Saturday.

McKernan, who has an extensive CV, won the All-Intermediate Championship with the Antrim camogs last year, and has a Christy Ring title with the Antrim hurlers under his belt.

In 2021, Armagh secured the Junior Ulster Championship, but came up short in the league and in the All-Ireland Junior Final against Wexford.

McKernan described his appointment as a ‘privilege.’

“When I was asked to consider taking the job, I was very humbled and privileged to be offered such a post,” said McKernan.

“We did what we had to do with Antrim, and I was delighted with that. I took a bit of time to think it over, and then accepted the post.”

McKernan paid tribute to the work that ex-manager Mattie Lennon did with the team, bringing them to the All-Ireland decider, and McKernan will look to build upon the success that the camogs made under Lennon.

“It’s a good challenge. I personally think that they’re punching below their weight, because they’re good enough to be playing at intermediate level,” said the new manager.

“Mattie Lennon did some sterling work there.

“He progressed them very well, and if I can continue that progress next year, I’ll be delighted.”

Having come up just short in the championship and in the league, the goal for McKernan will be to help Armagh get over those hurdles in 2022, and he believes that it will be up to the players to raise the bar this year.

“Having been successful with Antrim, hopefully there will be some lessons that we have learned and suggestions that we can bring here, so hopefully we can help the team lift the bar and bring the success that Armagh camogie deserves.

“I’m going to give them my time and effort and 100 percent focus, to help them achieve their goals.”

McKernan has plenty of experience of winning, having brought the Antrim hurlers to Christy Ring success in 2006 and the Antrim Camogs to the All-Ireland Intermediate title in 2021, but he still feels that he has more to learn.

“Nothing beats experience, and experience comes from pumping up miles,” said McKernan.

“I have managed the Antrim hurlers to Christy Ring success, took Down to the Christy Ring final, but I’m still learning new things every day” he added.

“Every day is a learning day, and yes we got it right last year with Antrim. We were able to devise the right model and formula, and all I want to do is replicate that.

“But ultimately, it’s down to the players and I’m really looking forward to meeting them and laying out a few plans and focusing on the forthcoming National League.”

McKernan won’t be alone on the side-lines, as he has put together quite the team to join him in trying to bring success to Armagh.

Joining him is ex-Derry Camogie manager, Ciaran Cunningham, Paul McKillen who helped McKernan with the Antrim Camogs and Johnny McIntosh who managed the Antrim u-20s hurlers.