Second-tier proposal was ‘a slap in face’ for weaker counties, says Carlow manager Turlough O’Brien

Carlow manager Turlough O’Brien has launched a broadside against the proposed second-tier All-Ireland competition, describing it as a “slap in the face” for footballers in weaker counties.

Central Council on Saturday backed a motion for next month’s Congress, which entails removing the eight Division 4 teams from the All-Ireland qualifiers and placing them in their own “B” competition with the winners guaranteed a place in the backdoor the following season. Should the proposal receive two-thirds majority support on February 27, it will come into operation next year.

O’Brien says the decision has disenfranchised the Division 4 teams. “It’s like adults talking in a room about the children when they are present and ignoring them. I don’t remember the Division 4 teams being called together and asked their opinion on what’s best for them. This decision from on high seems to be ‘we know what’s best for ye’.