Laois boss Dempsey defends Algarve training camp

LAOIS senior football manager Sean Dempsey has slammed claims his squad’s warm weather training camp in the Algarve is a ‘holiday’ for the players.

Dempsey’s panel head to Portugal on Saturday week for four days of intense training however some in the county have expressed concerns about the trip following a number of controversial off field incidents last year which led to county chairman Brian Allen claiming that “things went too far”.

Last August, Dempsey expressed disappointment at a number of players who went drinking following defeats and insisted all had to sign up to a new code of conduct if they wanted to represent the O’Moore County in 2010.

Dempsey yesterday said all of that is in the past and is adamant players can “let their hair down” but will be concentrating on football – and not socialising – while in Portugal.

“We are sick and tired of people knocking the team. They are young men doing the best for their county. It won’t be happening in the Algarve,” Dempsey told the Leinster Express.

“A lot of the stuff said about the players last year was aimed by people trying to get at someone else – probably me. It’s a load of crap. That’s what it is.

“When you see how hard those lads are working off the field and what they’re putting in to it, it’s bitterness and it’s sour grapes by people saying they’re going out there on a holiday.

“They’re going out there to work hard and we’re going to have three training sessions per day. And the players have put the marker down because that’s what they want to do.

“But to think they would go out there and not enjoy themselves is ridiculous too. Of course they’ll be allowed go out but they’ll be training early the next morning so you have to have a healthy balance.

“They’re amateurs and they have to have a life outside of football. I think they’re going well and if they need to let their hair down for a few hours some evening, then so what?”

Dempsey and the squad will be accompanied on the trip by chairman Allen. All those travelling are contributing €140 with the board and sponsorship making up the remainder of the cost.

Dempsey continued: “The players are paying for their own flights. The county board is giving us a large chunk of money and we got a bit of sponsorship as well. The county board had given us a weekend away anyway so they are putting up the money that would have cost.

“I think that is fair enough because it is hard to get in the money these days. I know some of the lads would prefer it to be a bit different but they were on for it even if the county board didn’t give us the money.”

Meanwhile the Laois boss confirmed that Padraig Clancy has returned to the squad after opting out earlier this season.

“Padraig Clancy is back in training with us this week which is good news. He’s been a great player for Laois and he feels he has something to offer and he’s willing to come in and work hard and try and get his place back.”