Allen quick to knock ‘conspiracy theories’

Outgoing Limerick hurling manager John Allen says he always intended to spend two years in charge on Shannonside, and that no “conspiracy theories” are required to explain his departure.

Allen, who led Limerick to a first Munster title since 1996 this summer, added that he feels Limerick have the capacity to win a senior All-Ireland hurling title.

“If you take the Cork job as an example, when I took that I said I’d give it one year,” he said.

“That way, if it was too onerous or whatever, I could step down. We won the All-Ireland the first year so I carried on, but I was clear it would only be for two years.

“Managing an inter-county team — there’s a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, and pressure of matches, which suits some fellas, but I wouldn’t like it that much. When the offer came from Limerick I’d just finished teaching, so I had time, but when I met the Limerick guys, I made it clear I’d only do two years, no matter what the situation was.

“In the last few weeks I’ve had a lot of texts and emails from players, supporters and the board, and maybe emotionally I was being swayed, but I felt that, for the team, it was best if someone else took it on.”

The St Finbarr’s club man hailed the support he received in Limerick.

“As an inter-county manager, your day’s full of injuries, training, physio — I was lucky I had retired, so I had the time, but that wasn’t an issue, really.

“Just in case there are conspiracy theories out there, I don’t have a bad word to say about the players, who were very easy to work with and very committed. The management team and the board were equally good, I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“I just want that on the record in case people think there’s any other reason for my leaving, but there isn’t. I said I’d do two years, and I did.”

Highlights and regrets from his period in charge were obvious: “The league was a regret, that we didn’t get up to Division 1A, but the Munster campaign was a great thrill. You saw the outpouring of emotion after we beat Tipp — what it meant to the players, the board, the supporters.

“The build-up to the Munster final was terrific, and winning that was outstanding. It’s a regret we didn’t perform in the semi-final.”

Allen dismissed talk of tactics being Limerick’s downfall in the All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Clare.

“People talk about tactics, but that had nothing to do with tactics. Our touch was poor, we had a player go off injured, we conceded a soft goal, their free-taking was unerring and ours wasn’t great... we just didn’t play well for a combination of reasons.

“Graeme Mulcahy went through, did all the donkey work and you could say he was pulled down; Patrick Kelly in goal for Clare had his hurley in the right place for that shot while other days it mightn’t be.

“All in all, though, I’m happy the management team is leaving this Limerick team in a good place, with a good structure there.”

Allen indicated he has no immediate plans to return to inter-county management and said his replacement was a matter for Limerick GAA chiefs.

“The fact that there is an independent appointment committee — Paudie (Fitzmaurice), Jim (Wolfe) and Damien (Quigley) — takes the politics out of that. I found them very diligent, very honest, very straight.

“I wouldn’t dream of recommending people. That’s up to them. One thing I noticed is there’s a large number of outside managers with Limerick clubs, but I’m not aware of the board’s plans for a replacement.”

Is there an All-Ireland in the Limerick team? “When this year’s semi-finalists were known Limerick were favourites for the All-Ireland with some of the bookies,” he pointed out.

“One under-performance doesn’t write off the team. Limerick won the Munster minor title and a couple of those players will push onto the senior panel.

“I don’t think too many of the current seniors will retire. I’ve no doubt Limerick have the capacity to win an All-Ireland, though it’ll be a totally different game next year.

“I spoke to the players after the Kilkenny game last year and told them that we knew what was needed in terms of fitness, strength and so on in order to get to the standard. Whether you win or not is on the day, but you must at least be at the standard.”