KILKENNY BOSS BRIAN Cody last night insisted that Joe Canning’s description last week of Henry Shefflin being ‘unsportsmanlike’ will not influence his team’s preparations for Sunday week’s All-Ireland final replay.
At a media briefing ahead of the game, Cody expressed his view that the context in which Canning spoke must be factored into the equation and believes that huge respect exists between the Portumna sharpshooter and his Ballyhale Shamrocks counterpart.
“I haven’t been reading the papers, which is no reflection on yourselves, of course, but I’d be very stupid to pretend I didn’t hear what was reported as said by Joe (Canning),” remarked Cody.
“It makes no difference in the slightest to me and has never been mentioned in our dressing-room. It’s not as if we all don’t know each other. I know Joe Canning and have met him many times. I would be absolutely certain that he has huge respect for Henry Shefflin, and I know for a fact Henry has huge respect for Joe.
“The words may have been said but there’s a context to the whole thing as well. I don’t know the context. I know that there is huge respect between all the players and I don’t know of any player who believes Henry Shefflin is unsporting.
“I know for a fact – I don’t need to check it out – that he doesn’t think that. He’s competitive, certainly, but it’s made no difference to us. It hasn’t been mentioned by anyone in our dressing-room.”
So so proud of you Séan, it’s been a joy to watch you grow up and become the man are today x
Disappointed insurance hasn’t been sorted out these days. What’s it going to take…
Best of luck with whatever you do. Your story needs to be told to all young players out there who dream of nothing more than football there has to be a back up plan just in case it all goes belly up. Poor form on the club and the insurance too and the response from the FAI well say no more. There should a player welfare officer for LOI players for issues like this..
@Jill Elliott: There is a new excellent player welfare manager with the PFAI to hopefully tackle some of the issues and provide awareness and guidance to players on career pathways. This lad would be brilliant to speak to players in our league to highlight the realities of playing football in Ireland. Longer term the FAI needs to provide player welfare and assistance to all players.
@Jill Elliott: There is an excellent new player welfare manager with the PFAI who will be tackling these issues and provide guidance and expertise to players. This lad would be brilliant to be brought out to talk to players in our league to highlight the good and the stark realities of playing football in Ireland. Long term the FAI needs to have a player welfare and education role for all players here and abroad.
I have to say Sean , as a limerick man I’m surprised that you being a dub has got involved in a schoolboy team , u 13 s In limerick , not that it’s a bad thing . I urge you to keep faith in what you love , the rest will follow.I have great admiration for what your dad Martin did for soccer in limerick , his philosophy lacked a plan B ,and off the field he had problems , and so did pat o Sullivan . Limerick is a proud city and a great sporting city , lovely to have you aboard .2021 will be a new chapter for soccer in this city , watch this space .hail , hail .
You’ll have long term effects of your first ACL whether you get a second one done or not.
Sorry but it is a fickle career so what did he expect, the pressure on these young men is outrageous!
@Carol Cunningham: nice sentiments
@Carol Cunningham: what an omlette you are
The best league in the world
Use your experiences to help others in the football world. It will make a huge difference. Use your ideas about guidance to get the PFAI to start helping others. Get all your coaching badges as I believe you will make a great coach. Best wishes.