Morgan silent on Cork return despite Nemo’s exit

FORMER Cork coach Billy Morgan has refused to discuss a possible return to inter-county management following Nemo Rangers’ weekend exit from the county championship.

“My primary concern is my club,” said Morgan, who led Nemo to the All-Ireland club title earlier this year.

“Had we won at the weekend and gone on to retain our title, it might have been different, but it would not be right to walk away now after being beaten”.

Morgan had previously expressed the opinion that the county coach should be allowed pick his own selectors.

The County Board have since introduced such a policy, which heightened speculation that the former All-Ireland winning coach may consider a return to the inter-county scene.

A decision on the Cork appointment is to be made in September.

Morgan was disappointed by the loss to Na Piarsaigh but added that Nemo’s remarkable run of success had to end sometime.

“When the draws paired us against them I said it was going to be a very sticky fixture for us.

“We expected and got a fierce challenge from Piarsaigh. Without wishing to take from their victory, we had nothing left in the tank when the crunch came.

“Our inter-county players were jaded after being on the go almost non-stop for the last three and a half years. While there is no talk of mass retirements, I would expect a few players to call it a day, but basically the team is still very young and we’ll bounce back.

“It’s better we lost this way as it now gives players plenty of time to recover. They can go on holidays, do their own thing and be ready for next season”.

Morgan heaped praise on his players for their commitment, loyalty and the phenomenal success they have brought to the club in recent years. “I cannot say enough about them. They are the greatest bunch of players the club has ever had. Their character, even in defeat on Sunday night, was magnificent and I’m extremely proud to be associated with every one of them”.

Meanwhile, Louth champions Mattock Rangers lost their title after being beaten by Newtown Blues by 10 points at the weekend. Played on a league basis initially, Rangers needed to win to stay in the title race.

Rangers reached the Leinster Club final last year but were defeated by Dunshaughlin (Meath).