Dempsey eyes next opportunity as journey with Carlow ends

Luke Dempsey resigned as Carlow manager following Saturday night’s defeat to Laois.

Citing the strain of travelling from Mullingar as the reason for the decision, Dempsey vowed to remain involved in football at some level.

Retaining his good humour, the former Westmeath and Longford boss joked he would be available to Meath if that post were to become available.

This comment was a clear reference to his nomination to take over that job by a county board-appointed committee in 2008 that was rejected by the county executive, and also to the executive’s attempts to usurp current incumbent, Seamus McEnaney last April.

He admitted: “The distance from Mullingar to Carlow has really taken its toll this year, when the journey was very onerous at times.

“So I’ve decided to call a halt to my four years; four really enjoyable and hard-working years in Carlow working with great people like Sean Kavanagh, Adrian Corcoran, excellent selectors — Wayne Middleton the trainer and Anthony Rainbow, who I introduced this year.

“In those lads, if they agree to stay on, I think there’s great structures in place for next year, along with most of those players who put in a massive effort for Carlow this year.

” [They] didn’t get the results but if the performances keep improving, there’s no reason why they won’t.

“I’ll always stay involved at management, whatever level. Whether that’s club, county — anybody who wants, give me a ring. Maybe the Meath job, for instance, will come up for grabs again!

“I love it. I love seeing a team perform the way you prepare them. And that’s what gives me a kick.”