BBC SPORT | N Ireland | Kernan had faith in his players

An emotional Armagh manager Joe Kernan had great belief in his squad and knew they would bring home the Sam Maguire to the Orchard County for the first time.

Armagh are champions

Kernan, who guided Crossmaglen to three All-Ireland club titles, had orchestrated the glory trail after taking over the reigns in August last year.

But his man-management skills are impeccable and he got every last ounce of effort from his side as they defeated hot-shots Kerry 1-12 to 0-14 in front of 80,000 fans in Croke Park.

''It was a great day for Armagh,'' said Kernan with a quiver in his voice.

They boys just did not know when to quit

Joe Kernan

''These guys have been written off so many times by the media.

''But they showed their true character on Sunday. They showed what they were made off, and I'm very proud of them.

''It was all about saving the good wine to the end, and we certainly saved the best for Kerry.

''Even though we were down at half-time, we believed we were still in the game because we were creating goal chances.

''It was a matter of taking one of those chances, and when we did, it lifted the whole team.

Joe Kernan (right) and his assistantt, fitness supremo John McCluskey
Kernan celebrates with fitness coach John McCluskey

''After that the crowd got behind the team in the final 10 minutes and it was nail-biting stuff.

''There was some unbelievable tackling and covering back. The boys just did not know when to quit.

''We showed tremendous hunger for that title.

Kerry were going for their 33rd title, we were going for our first, and it was obvious that we were not going to throw it away or lose it.

Pictures of Armagh's victory

''The goal obviously changed the game. It was marvellous the way Oisin McConville came back to score after missing a first-half penalty.

''Oisin is made of stern stuff, and it was a just reward for him, and the rest of the heroes out there.''


	Links to more N Ireland stories