MICKEY HARTE HAS launched a defence of Louth’s handling of their O’Byrne Cup fixtures in the wake of criticism by Offaly GAA figures after the Wee County gave Wexford a walkover in their last group game.
Louth had already qualified for the knockout stages by that juncture, their decision was questioned by Offaly boss Liam Kearns, who claimed ‘the integrity of the competition’ was harmed by that decision.
Subsequently Offaly withdrew from the competition ahead of a planned semi-final against Louth. Offaly cited player unavailability and an unwillingness of Louth to change the date of that game.
Speaking yesterday to media after Louth lost the O’Byrne Cup final to Longford, Harte addressed the issue and stated it was always their intention not to face Wexford, due to the travel involved for that midweek night fixture, and that they had informed the Leinster Council of their position.
“We made it totally clear before a ball was kicked that was our position,” Harte told LMFM.
SPORT: Louth GAA manager Mickey Harte has hit out at what he says is a "narrative" that the county damaged the integrity of the O'Byrne Cup.
— LMFM RADIO (@LMFMRADIO) January 21, 2023
Full story: https://t.co/MlX4P9RXTP pic.twitter.com/GrhyI2YZp2
“For people to suggest otherwise that we pulled out of the competition, or we’re trying to abandon the competition, or do it harm, that’s people who don’t know what they’re talking about and they’ve been quite vociferous in what they’ve been saying.
“But I never heard anybody talking the full truth yet – that we did everything above board, that Leinster Council were properly informed of everything we were doing and we didn’t refuse to go to Wexford on Wednesday night.
“We had declared long in advance, before we kicked a ball, that we weren’t going. So I think people need to get that narrative really back straight and right again, that we didn’t do anything out of order, we did everything by the book.”
Hoping Alan gives it another year at least!! Although this year didn’t end well, he was amazing. Definitely has it in him to stay on and be “the wise old head” for all these young lads coming through the ranks.
Hope Alan stays a great player gives it his
Bernard Brogan loves to get his mush in the media lately
He’s only answering questions put to him by the media. What do you think he should do in that situation?
Andrea, if Bernard ignored the media I’m sure yaya would have an even bigger problem with him!!
He could not answer. Not like he’s being forced. Maybe if he spent less time talking to them and more time playing Dublin wouldn’t have been hammered by Donegal
You must be an expert, Steven? You should apply for the managers jobs when it becomes available. And to think we could have won the All Ireland this year if Bernard had just taken a vow of silence!!!
Ya the most important thing is they didn’t win it. They got beat out the game in a game that showed how overrated the golden boy really is
Yes Steven. 2 All Irelands and 2 leagues in the space of 3 years!! Hardly the yardstick of success, is it? As the guy in your photo might say, “D’oh” :)
Ps Steven, the most important thing from this years All Ireland is the fact that Kerry lowered themselves beyond the level of puke football. The purists in Kerry will loath how it was won. But don’t worry, Dublin and Mayo will keep playing the game the way it should be played. We won’t lower ourselves to the level that Kerry and Donegal have ;)
Yet none this year. Remember how Dublin were supposed to be unbeatable? Then again the only reason they lost this year was because they didn’t show up. Bernard said that so it has to be true. Not a good sign of dublins supposed underage superstars if they still need the two of them
No the most important thing is Kerry won. Also your 6 backs playing in position is puke football now? Seeing as that’s what happened Sunday, or did you miss that?
Can’t win it every year lad. Every 2nd year will do for me. Áth Cliath abú!!
The fact is annoys you so much makes it all the sweeter ;)
It doesn’t annoy me buddy. I’m a Dub, it’s not in our nature to be bitter!! Add to that that I’m sipping a pint in Dublin Airport right now means you couldn’t be further from the truth a chara ;)
Not bitter? Your comments would say otherwise
Shame to see this Culchie spite from a Kerry supporter, we usually get it from the counties that never win anything, most Kerry people realise they have no reason to be jealous of others success or sneer when they fall short. The only people claiming Dublin were unbeatable were the media and fair weather supporters.
Well said Gavan. Steven wouldn’t be representative of the Kerry people I’d know. I reckon he’s a kid who needs to grow up and stop being so childish.
All