O’Donnell backing for beleaguered Offaly boss Connor

OFFALY’S difficulties proved to be Roscommon’s opportunity last Sunday but Fergal O’Donnell was very much on counterpart Richie Connor’s side yesterday when he launched a staunch defence of the beleaguered Faithful manager and GAA managers in general.

Roscommon recorded a comfortable nine-point NFL Division Three win over Offaly in Kiltoom last Sunday but the result has been framed in a very different light since with a mass withdrawal of Faithful players speaking volumes for disharmony in the camp.

The extent of the internal problems only emerged in midweek when it emerged that as many as 16 players were withdrawing from the senior panel.

However, it was revealed yesterday that disaffection was evident during last weekend’s game when a number of Offaly substitutes vacated the dugout for the dressing room with 10 minutes still to play.

“I don’t know Richie Connor but I would feel sorry for any manager because we’re all only trying to do our best,” said O’Donnell, who is in his first year in charge of his native county.

“People don’t realise what’s involved in managing a team. We have to work and we have families as well. He has been a huge servant for Offaly and it’s very sad that it should come out in public like this.”

Few counties can empathise with Offaly’s falling fortunes like Roscommon. O’Donnell became the county’ s fourth manager in the space of a year when he accepted the role last September and he is far from surprised at the turnover throughout the inter-county scene in general.

“I think it’s gone mad. The demands are so high now on managers that they don’t last. People have to be realistic, there’s only team that can win the All-Ireland.”

O’Donnell was reluctant to discuss the specifics of Offaly’s performance and demeanour last weekend but midfielder Karol Mannion felt that the body language displayed by Connor’s side betrayed the troubles which were to become so apparent days later.

“I believe in the last 10 minutes a number of their subs just got up and walked in before the game was over so that was obviously a clear sign. From the manner of the players on the field they were competitive but in the second half it didn’t seem to be happening for them.’’

Meanwhile Roscommon county board yesterday announced a new three-year shirt sponsorship for their senior team with Sierra Communications who, previously spent seven years in the same role with the county minors.

“We are thrilled to get such a high-profile sponsor on board,” said Roscommon chairman Michael McGuire.

“It is a very difficult period and we are like every other county in that we rely on sponsorship and fund-raising just to keep our county teams up and running.”

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, caps a remarkable turnaround in fortunes — literally — for the Connacht outfit which was in debt to the tune of a massive €1.3m only three years ago.

“We have turned it around completely,” said McGuire. “We have put our finances in order and they are in a very healthy state. We turned in a major surplus this year (€176,251) and in the previous two years.”