Chairman backs O’Rourke after Sligo defeat

DOWN boss Paddy O’Rourke has received the support of county chairman Jerry Quinn despite the team’s disappointing exit in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

O’Rourke was criticised after the 1-7 to 0-4 defeat to Sligo last month.

“I still support him and senior officers are supportive of Paddy O’Rourke,” Quinn told the Irish News.

Quinn said it was “clear” that O’Rourke wanted to stay on as manager because “he is still passionate about Down football”.

O’Rourke, who said he would consider his position after the Sligo game, captained Down to the All-Ireland title in 1991.

Quinn added: “We should not lose sight of the services he has given the county. The Down supporters were hurt and disappointed by the Sligo defeat but so too was Paddy O’Rourke, so too were the players, so too was I.

“We do not want a knee-jerk reaction.”