JAMESIE O’CONNOR BELIEVES his former boss Ger Loughnane has done a disservice to the hurlers of Offaly after he openly questioned their fitness ahead of the new inter-county season.
Former Clare and Galway hurling manager Loughnane, writing in his Irish Daily Star column, stated, that Offaly were ‘the only team in the modern era with fat legs, bellies and arses’. He precluded that by saying the county remained in the hurling Dark Ages.
O’Connor, who played under Loughnane with the Banner County for 12 seasons, told Off The Ball on Friday that his old manager may have had a ‘wry smile’ on his face as he wrote his latest, controversial column.
O’Connor agreed with Joe Molloy, the show’s host, that Loughnane’s comments were harsh. He said, “Where’s [former Offaly hurler] Daithí Regan this evening? I’m sure he’d like to respond to those comments from Ger.
“Look, I don’t know whether Ger is making mischief or whether Ger has maybe a little bit too much time on his hands. You can be sure that there was a wry smile when he penned those words.” O’Connor continued:
I think he’s probably doing a disservice to, I’d imagine, the majority of the Offaly players, given the way they work. But [Clare defender] Brendan Bugler made a point today in one of the local papers that inter-county hurling is a lifestyle, not a hobby. I was involved in the Munster team last weekend and the physical conditioning of most of these guys… there isn’t a pick on them. They’re lean, they’re fit and that’s the way they are.
“I’m sure the Offaly hurlers, when they take the pitch on Sunday against Laois will need no motivation other than the words Ger said… maybe he had money on an accumulator and was worried about the threat Laois might pose. I’d imagine the Offaly hurlers will give their response to Ger on Sunday.”
You can here more of O’Connor’s thoughts here >>>
One of the Offaly lads tweeted, I think it may have been Joe Bergin, that get was just looking for attention, trying to feel ” relevant” again, and I think he got it bang on..
Thought Ger went to far. There’s a big difference between banter and insulting people. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a few quid on Offaly. As a proud Laois man I hope this doesn’t get Offaly even more up for the game. I fear it will.
PS. We are still very aware in Galway , as should Ger, be, what fat arsed Offaly men will do to you..
Ger is a muppet, stupid comments
He will prob have to go on the late late next week and apologise for saying it! Will say he had a big arse when he was young?
Seems to be the thing to do in Ireland at the moment!!!
Babs called us Sheep in a heap and remember what happened then!
Keep up the good work Ger
He more that likely doesnt like the attention davy fitz and the lads are getting after the win when he had nothing to do with it. I know the man and can say he has no class or manners. Truth be told he isnt liked much anyone down these parts either.
Looks like ger was right
Loves the publicity he gets I reckon. Tryin to be controversial and just ends up lookin like a bitter old has been.
Tut tut Patrick
Being an Offaly exile here in Kerry how dare Ger Loughnane mouth off about Offaly….He must have a memory block or suffer with amnesia because his beloved Banner tried 3 times to beat Offaly and each time Offaly beat them as well as the referee who blew the match up early. Ger Loughnane needs to get a life and leave Offaly hurling alone ….We all remember Babs Keating and his jibes about sheep in a heap well Offaly showed Babs when they went on to win Liam McCarthy that year and the banners for their home coming that year read “Ba Ba Babs” so sour face Ger Loughnane to you I say get a life and take a good long hard look at your own arse