Boland hits back at McNamee criticism
September 12, 2014
Pictured at the announcement of Carroll's Ham extension of their sponsorship of Offaly GAA and the launch of the new Carroll's Ham Offaly GAA jersey were l to r; Offaly GAA Chairperson Padraig Boland, Offaly senior football manager Emmet McDonnell, Offaly senior football team captain Niall McNamee, Carroll's Ham Marketing Manager Deirdre O'Neill, Offaly GAA secretary Tommy Byrne, Carroll's Ham Managing Director John Comerford and Offaly GAA PRO Alan Walsh.
Offaly chairman Padraig Boland has hit out at the criticism that the board received from star forward Niall McNamee.
In the wake of Emmet McDonnell's resignation as Offaly senior manager, McNamee tweeted that had the Westmeath native received more support from the county board, his job may have been easier.
However, in an in-depth interview with the Midland Tribune, the Offaly chairman states that they could have done little more to help McDonnell and stated that McNamee should know that.
"That is very difficult to take from people who should know better. With senior football over the last few years and particularly during Emmett McDonnell's stewardship, I am not sure how much more we could have given," stressed Boland.
"Over the two-year period, anything that was requested was granted as far as I am concerned. Maybe there were things that didn't get as far as me which were refused. From psychologists to two physios on duty at training sessions when there was only supposed to be one to a nutritionist at one stage to a GPS system being put in place, I think anything that was asked was granted, including a request to go and train in St Loman's and then to read criticism of the fact that they had to train in St Loman's even though they looked for it."
He added: "I will be talking to Niall about his comments. We will be meeting up as part of the players' charter. I have always got on very well with Niall but I do think some of our former and current players are on a bit of a self-promotion trip and maybe we fall victim in the middle of that. I think a little bit more care is needed."
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