By Shaun Casey

ROGER Keenan has been appointed the new manager of Armagh club Clan na Gael for the upcoming season. The Tyrone native takes over from Ronan McMahon, who spent three years in charge.

Derrylaughan’s James Kennedy, was part of coaching set up that led Tyrone to this year’s Buncrana Cup title, is a member of Keenan’s of the management team as the coach.

Clan na Gael clubman Diarmuid O’Hagan and Sean Mackle, both recently retired, are selectors while Maghery’s 2020 SFC winning captain David Lavery will led S&C.

Keenan, alongside Derry legend Tony Scullion, led Kildress to a Junior Championship title in 2020 and was in charge of Carrickmore for their famous championship defence in ’04 and ’05, the last team to retain the O’Neill Cup.

Clan na Gael have reached two of the last three championship finals in the Orchard County, losing to Crossmaglen in 2023 and Lurgan rivals Clann Éireann in 2024.

They will compete in Division 1B of the league having suffered relegation from the top tier, but should have Stefan Campbell to call upon throughout the year following his recent retirement from the inter-county scene.