JOB DON
Kieran Donaghy shared ‘very difficult’ moment with ex-Kerry teammate after helping Armagh to shock win
He also had some choice words for Kieran McGeeney's critics
KIERAN DONAGHY admits that his emotions were put to the test after he played a role in dumping Kerry out of the Championship.
A four-time All-Ireland SFC winner during a glittering Kingdom career, Star is currently coaching Armagh.
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The Orchard County are now looking forward to their first appearance in the decider since 2003 thanks to Saturday’s extra-time win over Kerry.
There were no divided loyalties for Donaghy as he focused on the task at hand.
But an encounter with a clubmate highlighted his predicament.
The Austin Stacks man told Off The Ball: “The build-up was OK.
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"I stayed to myself and stayed out of the way. I knew the job that I had to help the lads with and I was fully invested in that.
“The emotions were tricky afterwards, I won’t lie. I just happened to scan and see Dylan Casey, who I work with in PST Sport.
“I was looking at him, kind of going, ‘I’ve been there, I’ve lost All-Ireland finals, I know how crushing it is’.
"He was my captain when we won our last county championship.
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“I can’t explain it really because it’s a very difficult one. I’m just happy for that bunch of players who have given everything.
“A lot of them — Aidan Forker, Rory Grugan, Andrew Murnin — are there ten years, slogging through Division 3 and putting their shoulder to the wheel for this county.
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“People had pops at us here and there, and of course they’re entitled to that.
"But that bunch of players, in terms of what they’ve given, is incredible. I’m overjoyed for them.”
Donaghy lauded boss Kieran McGeeney for steering Armagh back to an All-Ireland final in his tenth season at the helm.
In the 2002 showpiece against Kerry, McGeeney captained the Ulster outfit to the only Sam Maguire triumph in their history.
He led the way again the following year as Armagh’s attempt to successfully defend the biggest prize in the game was foiled at the final hurdle by Tyrone.
With Geezer as gaffer, they are finally back at the same stage 21 years later. Galway await at Croke Park on Sunday week.
Donaghy said: “For the people of Armagh, it’s big. They’ve waited a long time for this.
"Kieran did get a huge amount of stick. Incredibly unjustified.
“Geezer is second to none with the dedication and putting his own life on hold for Armagh. For him, this has been a long time coming.”