By Michael McMullan

MONAGHAN Ladies have appointed Kieran Kearns as their new senior manager for the 2022 season.

“Monaghan Co ladies are delighted with the appointment and wish Kieran and his management the very best of luck for the year ahead,” read a statement on their social media channels.

Kieran, a native of Scotshouse, played his club football with both Currin and Clones, while representing the county at minor level.

After a year as selector with the Currin men’s team in 2019, he managed the team for the last two seasons.

His backroom team includes former Farney attacking star Declan McKernan, Pauric Smyth and Darren Chapman – who managed his native Newtownbutler last season.

Strength and conditioning coach Shane Rice is also on board, with Fionnuala Sherlock acting as Liaison officer.

Monaghan lost two of their three group games in last years All-Ireland championship and didn’t reach the quarter-finals.

Their  won back to back All-Irelands in 1996 and 1997, but haven’t been in a final since 2013

In Ulster they lost to Armagh and will begin this season in Division 2 of the league with Cavan their opponents in the opening game, followed by Tyrone and Armagh in Division 2B.

Monaghan missed out on promotion to Division 1 last season when they list their semi-final to Kerry after free kicks.  The Kingdom were then beaten in the decider by Meath who also went on to win the senior All-Ireland championship in the story of the summer.