Marsden set to take on role with Armagh team

Diarmuid Marsden (right) on show for Armagh during his playing days.

Marsden - a mainstay of Armagh’s All-Ireland title glory in 2002 - will replace Steven McDonnell in the under 21s’ management team.

The appointment will help form part of a strong county coaching panel that includes Kieran McGeeney plus Martin McQuillan, a key player during the 1990s.

Peter McDonnell, the last manager to enjoy Ulster success thanks to his 2009 senior county triumph, is also part of the backroom set-up.

Armagh have struggled in recent seasons to gain a foothold across the under 21s’ programme but the Clan na Gael man will bring a strong coaching knowledge to the table.

This comes fromhis background of a successful playing career and time as Ulster Council’s club development officer.

The under 21s’ previous Ulster success arrived in 2007 - a third Championship victory for Armagh following previous wins across 1998 and 2004.

Tyrone have a strong background across the under 21s with 12 crowns, however, Donegal can point to a recent run of wins from 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Marsden’s recent coaching links include the underage programme with Clan na Gael plus a position as co-manager of the seniors. Marsden and Barry O’Hagan, both former county players, helped guide Clan na Gael to the Armagh Senior Championship final in 2006.

The St Coleman’s College star was part of the minors’ All-Ireland final panel in 1992 and central to the seniors’ breakthrough Ulster victory during 1999.

Armagh will kick-start the seniors’ campaign with the McKenna Cup in January before a trip to Navan to face Meath across the opening day of the National League the following month.