59 county titles, 32 Ulster club titles and 15 All-ireland club titles before you even consider their success with Armagh..and Kernans not finished yet

A REMARKABLE 106 and counting.

With clubs back to action, it’s fitting we all acknowledge one of the greatest and most extraordinary stories in Irish sporting life.

A total of 106 senior club championship medals have been won by the one family – the Kernans of Crossmaglen in Armagh.

It’s a staggering feat.

There have been some amazing GAA families down the years – the Brogans, the Meehans, the Fennellys, the O’connors, the Spillanes and the Ó Sés all spring to mind.

But even they would all agree that what the Kernan clan have achieved is nothing short of great.

At club level, Joe Kernan and four of his sons Stephen, Tony, Aaron and Paul have won 59 Armagh titles, 32 Ulster titles and 15 All-irelands.

Between them, they have also won 25 titles at senior county level, including 17 Ulster championships. Joe also managed Armagh to the county’s only senior Allireland title in 2002.

Some might not remember Paul as much, but he has a remarkable story to tell. He had to retire at 25 after three shoulder reconstructions but has the remarkable record of never losing a game in the Ulster club championship.

He won six Ulster titles in six attempts.

Aaron and Tony are still playing, while just this year Stephen emulated his dad by taking over the reins as Crossmaglen’s senior manager after hanging up his boots in 2017. Stephen won 14 senior county titles.

Tony has 12 to his name and has been steady as a rock throughout that period.

Aaron is 36 now and still in incredible shape

– and a massive haul of 16 Armagh titles, eight Ulster club and three All-ireland club medals may not be the end for the Cross legend. Who would bet against him beating Paul Hearty’s record of 19 senior club medals?

On his day he is up there with the greatest of half-backs.

One of the towering hallmarks of the Kernan boys is the way they always looked after themselves. They ate and slept Gaelic football from a very young age and have been exceptional in how they have conducted themselves.

They looked up to their dad with admirable respect, each one carrying the Cross torch with pride.

Like all great families, the family unit was always top of the list for big Joe and Patricia. Loyalty to each other was and remains hugely important to the Kernans – they epitomise everything good about family life.

I believe Joe is the only manager in the GAA to win everything possible at the top level in Gaelic Football, for club and county – an extraordinary achievement when you think back to where Armagh were all those years ago.

His drive, dedication and savage ambition were the catalysts for the remarkable story that was to follow.

Ready to join the knee replacement club in October, Joe knows that one of the best stories in Irish sporting history isn’t finished yet.

Aaron is still buzzing and it appears Stephen as a manager is every bit as meticulous and driven as his dad. And word has it his ambition to succeed is scary.