Louth boss O’Rourke taking all the flak in his stride

Each morning for the last three weeks, Aidan O’Rourke has counted himself lucky he works in Belfast, not Louth.

Departing his house just inside the Armagh border, he has happily pointed his car north and hit the accelerator, leaving behind the criticism that has been floating around the Wee County. His players, he accepts, haven’t been so lucky. Going to the local shop becomes something of a chore when you’ve just been beaten by 15 points in the Championship. Everyone wants to have their say.

O’Rourke maintains he’s not bothered by the barbs tossed his way, though it would be surprising if he was not a little wounded.