SEAMUS COLEMAN HAS hailed the influence and credentials of John O’Shea while the interim boss admitted he hopes to have clarity from the FAI on his future after the upcoming friendly double header.
Speaking on the eve of Hungary’s visit to Dublin tomorrow, the Ireland captain described his former teammate’s preparation for this window as “unbelievable”, “exciting” and “refreshing” having also been in caretaker charge for the draw with Belgium and defeat to Switzerland in March.
Director of football Marc Canham has once again been embedded with the international squad and will travel to Portugal for the game against Portugal next Tuesday.
“His preparation has been unbelievable, not just the gaffer but Paddy [McCarthy], Glenn [Whelan], Rene [Gilmartin] and all the staff have been very good,” Coleman said.
“It’s been exciting, refreshing and as the manager touched on, we weren’t far away from winning those [March] games, but that’s what it’s about, that’s what we’re working towards.
“I have nothing to gain from [saying] that. I’m 35, my time is coming short. I’m speaking honestly. The manager has been brilliant and it’s been really refreshing.”
O’Shea also confirmed that he will hold discussions with Canham later this month as he seeks to get a fuller picture of where he stands.
“I think everyone, including myself, the staff, the players, everyone would like clarity on it.
“Whatever game we come into, I’m always looking for good results. Belgium at home [last March], we wanted to win against Switzerland at home, we wanted to win and it is the same, we want to beat Hungary.
“We want to get the Irish team winning again, it’s as simple as that. Get the mindset right in terms of winning the games at home especially. That’s the big thing. We have to get winning matches.
“It’s straightforward, the conversations have been about preparation and the game. We’ll have conversations afterwards with anyone I feel I need to.”
Hopefully when Kilkenny roll into town the craic will be mighty and Dr. Cullen hopping.
Well perhaps they Carlos GAA board could start with maybe organising a proper all county league . Only hurling played in the County is the championship which gives each player a maximum of 5 games in.
Even with football, each club player only gets about twelve games..
Reason Dublin are successful is because each player get 14 to 16 league games, plus championship and some cup games
Uneven spread of money to bigger counties like Dublin, Kerry , Kilkenny and cork . Money should be going to smaller counties .Why are the bigger counties , getting the largest slice of the cake .
2. Facts are he is a teacher and is apart of the demographic that will play the game into the future . People are working more unsociable hours than ever before . I believe Pat Spillane alluded to this a number of years ago .. . And it will have a detrimental effect on the game ..
I agree with the sentiment, but surely the onus is on Carlow and other such counties to get their houses in order first? If they’ve lost four hurling clubs in the past few years, can Croke Park really force clubs to start up again? And as an aside….is he really saying they’re not good enough for the top level of the championship, and maybe shouldn’t be there after all?
They should dismantle it and football and concentrate on some we’re fairly OK at. Rugby
There is a culture of entitlement in Carlow, not just in GAA circles,that allows them to moan & groan about their situation but fail to understand that results and improvements come as a result of good structure & governance, initiative & hard work. The article is from the heart and no doubt, borne out of disappointment & frustration, but the heartening part is the author appears to have the wherewithal to contribute constructively to an improving situation.
@Liam Mernagh: thats a load of rubbish !!
@eamonn farrell: you’re entitled to your opinion, but I think Carlie’s GAA record speaks for itself. The truth can be difficult to swallow.
@Liam Mernagh: Carlow’s even.
… just to add – i don’t see why that duality of thinking is so problematic. The giving out about the Boston trip smacks of small mindedness but it’s the same black and white thinking we see everywhere these days
Agree totally with Paul.
I don’t see why you can’t develop the game from both ends of the spectrum. Put in the work in growing the game domestically and in places where it isn’t taking hold. At the same time maintain it’s profile internationally.