"Westmeath, Laois and Carlow have better players than us now"
May 21, 2019
Michael Duignan is interviewed by RTE Sports Presenter Clare McNamara.
©INPHO/James Crombie.
Michael Duignan has blasted the “short-term, reactionary” manner in which Offaly County Board removed Kevin Martin as county hurling manager.
Following disappointing Joe McDonagh Cup defeats to neighbours Laois and Westmeath, Martin has been axed and replaced at the helm by Joachin Kelly.
“To me, it's another short-term, reactionary move,” Duginan told RTE. “We have to have an acceptance here in Offaly that Westmeath, Laois and Carlow - counties like this - have better players than us now. They've moved ahead of us. They've been beating us at minor and senior for a number of years now.
“And why is that? I think the County Board, our clubs, our coaching staff and our players have to take responsibility. Along with Kevin. He's been manager and, of course, some of it rests at his feet.
“I feel personally very sorry for Kevin Martin. One of the greatest Offaly players. A great teammate, a great friend. When he played for Offaly, he prepared diligently, he took responsibility for his performances and he didn't look for scapegoats. And he has been treated badly in this instance.”
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