Fitzpatrick: I want to stay

PERHAPS it’s a cynical view but judging Peter Fitzpatrick’s post-match performances, especially after a championship exit, needs to be done with an arched eyebrow.

That wasn’t always the case but a lot of things changed this year. He’s a politician now and well-versed in the art of being able to reply to a question without answering it.

Asked about the possibility of last year’s Leinster final weighing heavy on the minds in the Louth camp coming up to this qualifier, he expertly sidestepped.

He much preferred to make his case for “re-election”. Though he has another season left in his three-year term, the county board will review his position in the coming months.

It’s his belief he must stay around to help ensure Louth aren’t relegated from Division Two next season after they gained promotion in April.

“I got a three-year term, I am as enthusiastic as ever. If the county board are happy with me I have no problem going forward. I could do a runner, let them go ahead in Division Two and let them be relegated but I am not a coward.

“I was waiting 14 or 15 years to manage my county. All I hope is that I get the opportunity to finish out my term. Whether I get the opportunity or not... it is in the county board’s hands.’’

Knocked out of the Leinster and All-Ireland championship in the space of 13 days is a considerable fall from last year when they had the Delaney Cup won but for Meath’s late controversial goal. There was nothing spurious about any of Cian Ward’s four goals or Paddy Gilsenan’s cherry-topper in Kingspan Breffni Park, though.

“I’m not a spoofer,” insisted Fitzpatrick. “I take my hat off to Meath, they were stronger and they scored five fantastic goals.’’