They Said It ....
November 2007
"In a perverse way the fact that the relationship has broke down has
given a greater carte blanche to the Aussies to come over here. They see no
downside in recruiting and there is no real incentive to act on GAA recommendations.
A lot of things have to fall into place for a player to be successful. I still
think only a small number will succeed out there. It takes a special type
of player."
More good players are likely to move to Australia since the agreement
with the AFL over the International Rules has broken up according to former
Roscommon All Star Paul Earley
“We had no idea that Tommy was considering this move, and obviously myself
and the other players were deeply shocked and disappointed when Tommy broke
the news. Tommy did a great job, had a three-year term, and we were hoping
that he would continue on for at least another year. But at the same time
we fully understand and appreciate the reason for his decision. Tommy really
put his heart and soul into the team manager’s job, and he treated it
like his second job."
Sligo star Eamon O’Hara explains that news of Tommy Brehony’s
decision to stand down as the county’s manager was a huge shock
“I’m just looking forward to playing for Roscommon
again. I know most of the lads anyway so there certainly wasn’t anything
awkward about it. It would have been a huge regret of mine if I didn’t
play for Roscommon again. Now I just want to get back playing and see how
it goes."
Frankie Dolan is looking forward to donning a Roscommon jersey again
after two years in the intercounty wilderness
"It’s funny that you go to a game up in Ballybofey
in mid-winter and you have a handful of supporters there. You go into Croke
Park in the first round and you are playing anybody and it’s packed to
the gills. You are kind of saying to yourself, where are all these coming
from and do they even support the game, or are they just looking for a day
out?”
Dublin ‘keeper Stephen Cluxton wonders whether some of those who
come to watch the Dubs play in Croke Park are really died in the wool GAA
supporters
"If I was to be really sorry for anyone - and I’m sorry for the
counties - I’m particularly sorry for the clubs. These were the guys
who were probably going to make these clubs, they were probably going to backbone
these teams. Now they are gone - even if only for a short period."
GAA President feels it is clubs more than counties who suffer when young
players decide to go to Australia to try their hand at the AFL
“That bottom line was that we wanted to start training
like we did last year in November but the Chairman made a stand that no county
team would train until January. I couldn’t stand for that. I subsequently
heard that the official line was that player welfare and burn-out was the
excuse trotted out for delaying a return to training which is a great angle
but when I asked the question straight if it was a cost issue I was told that
it was."
Paul Bealin explains the reason why he is no longer Wexford senior football
manager
“I don’t mind saying it’s probably time for a change in management.
No disrespect to the current set-up, but I would feel there is a need for
freshness. I feel we need someone to come in with fresh ideas and to shake
up a few players who I believe may be too comfortable in their positions.”
Former player and manager Larry Tompkins says that maybe it would be
better for Billy Morgan to step down as Cork football boss
"It was a bit of a shock to be honest with you. I thought
the boys were messing when I got phone calls about it. I didn’t actually
believe them. But it’s great for Laois hurling, it’s good for the
young lads on the panel as well because they’re looking up at us and
saying ’James Young is getting noticed here, there’s hope for the
rest of us’."
Laois’ James Young reveals that he thought it was a wind up when
his friends told him that he had been nominated for a GAA All Star