He’s a legend in GAA but he is also a great guy to boot
CLARKE: MCGEENEY THE BOSS IS ONLY SURPASSED BY MCGEENEY THE MAN
JAMIE CLARKE insists people have it all wrong in their perception of Kieran Mcgeeney.
The popular image of the Armagh supremo is of a man consumed by football but Orchard star man Clarke knows from personal experience that Mcgeeney has a different side, too.
Clarke’s wanderlust took hold again when he decided, after the disappointment of the 2017 Championship defeat to Tyrone, to move to New York.
“It was in my mind at that start of that summer anyway,” recalled the stylish forward.
“But that decision wasn’t really football-based, that was my own personal things going on that I wanted to solve.
“I faced the decision, ‘Do I stay and be happy when I’m at football and be unhappy for the rest of my day?’.
“So Kieran said, ‘Go away and do what you have to do’. He was very understanding about it. I’d always inform him about anything that I’m doing to make sure he’s alright with it. It was, if I’m going, I’m going..but if I’m in, I’m not half in or out – it’s one or the other.
“Kieran’s different and what people don’t realise is that he’s bringing people on as well.
“He cares about the person and how they’re getting on in terms of are you really challenging yourself on and off the pitch, are you doing the right thing – whether it’s relationships, work or family.
“We’re close in Armagh.
The boys are starting to really care about and look out for each other. We’re hanging out a lot more now and just being best mates.
“He is football mad. He is a GAA legend at the end of the day. That’s been part of his life. And ultimately he just wants the best for Armagh. His job is to win football matches with the group there.
“People have their opinions but don’t think it really raises him.
“He knows where he’s at, he doesn’t really need other people telling him.”
Mcgeeney is in his fifth year but Clarke, who is staying in Armagh in the longer term as he launches a menswear fashion brand later this year, can’t see an end point in sight.
“It’s a big year for all of us but we don’t see it as Kieran’s going (after),” said the 29-year-old.
“It wouldn’t surprise us if he’s there for the long
Ihaul. There’s no pressure coming from his end, or our end. We’re all singing off the one hymnsheet.
“It’s going well and it’s really enjoyable. Now is the time that we have to start getting the wins on the board.”
Promotion to the top tier remains a possibility, even though Armagh are in seventh spot after three games.
Only two points separates them from the top.
They face Tipp on Sunday and Clarke stressed: “We can’t afford to drop anything. I know the League is a lot more serious now but ultimately we still have aspirations for the summer, and I think we’re building nicely.”
As for himself, Clarke believes his Big Apple stay will benefit Armagh now.
“Do I regret going away again? No, because I’ve learned in terms of leadership, being happy within mysel.
“I’m in a much better place , but ultimately it’s the love of Armagh and the game that stops me from staying away.”