Grimley: Brolly’s opinion ‘doesn’t count’

Armagh boss Paul Grimley says he has not forgiven Joe Brolly for mocking his brothers on ‘The Sunday Game’ and promised he will not forget it.

Grimley got his chance to respond to the RTÉ pundit’s heated criticism of his tactics against Cavan in the wake of the county’s qualifier win over Wicklow on Sunday.

Brolly questioned Grimley’s ability to be an inter-county manager and mentioned his twin brothers, Mark and John, who are former Armagh footballers.

“I don’t change my tactics because someone like Joe Brolly doesn’t like them or thinks I shouldn’t be here,” rapped Grimley.

“The thing about pundits and analysts is, you’re only an expert analyst if you’re wearing the same shoes as the person you’re criticising. Joe hasn’t and it’s doubtful he ever will. He has a right to say what he wants but he hasn’t a right to insult people or mock them or make fun of members of their family which is what he did.

“As far as I’m concerned, there is no line drawn under it, and there never will be.”

Grimley insists he has more respect for pundits who have managed teams, such as former Ireland International Rules boss Colm O’Rourke.

He added: “I’ll take criticism from people like Colm O’Rourke every day of the week. Somebody like Joe Brolly is just classed as an entertainer.

“I’d be quite prepared to take constructive criticism from any man but people like him, who jumps on a man when he stumbles, and tries to make himself popular, well, his opinion doesn’t count.”