Oisín McConville Bolsters Coaching Backroom Team With Two New Faces

Down's Kevin McKernan and Monaghan's Dermot McArdle join the Wicklow ticket hoping to build on this year's historic Tailteann Cup success

Wicklow have bolstered their backroom team with the additions of two former inter-county players to Oisín McConville’s coaching ticket for preparation ahead of the 2027 Sam Maguire campaign. 

McConville's fellow Ulster men Kevin McKernan of Down and Dermot McArdle of Monaghan have been included as coaches and selectors as confirmed by the Wicklow county board this week. 

They replace the outgoing Frankie Dolan, the former Roscommon forward, who has stepped away after two seasons and who was a vital part of the the county's great Tailteann Cup success enjoyed in July at Croke Park.

McKernan was a centre half-back in Down’s All-Ireland final defeat to Cork in 2010 and earned an All-Star nomination that year.

Recently he helped coach Abbey CBS Newry to the vaunted Ulster school competition the MacRory Cup.

Castleblayney Faughs' McArdle meanwhile, was corner-back for Monaghan from 1996 to 2011, and recently served as a selector under Vinny Corey when the Farney Men reached the 2023 All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin. 

The ultra-popular McConville is in the Garden county on for a fifth season in charge.

Wicklow came from eight points down at half-time to beat Offaly in the Tailteann Cup semi-final, then from thirteen down against Down in the final to win memorably by 1-21 to 2-16.

🟦🟨 Wicklow Senior Football Management Update

Wicklow Senior Football Manager Oisín McConville has announced two new additions to his backroom team ahead of the 2027 season.

Former Monaghan inter-county footballer Dermot McArdle and former Down inter-county footballer Kevin… pic.twitter.com/GPsGWCl6XN

— Official Wicklow GAA (@wicklowgaa) November 3, 2026