Fermanagh board 'fully supports' O'Neill

The Fermanagh County Board has reacted to player unrest in the county's senior football panel by issuing a statement in support of manager John O'Neill.

The statement confirms that the Board "fully supports" O'Neill and his management team, and also gives backing to captain Barry Owens and the players who have continued to play for the county this term.

The Board has reaffirmed that "all our team managers are appointed to a three-year term", and that Fermanagh GAA is "committed to working to address issues raised by all players".

O'Neill was appointed to the role last September but his maiden Allianz Football League campaign has not gone to plan, with defeats to Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim in Division 4.

News of a revolt within the Fermanagh squad broke last week with the emergence of a letter signed by four disaffected players - brothers Peter and James Sherry, Niall Bogue and Tommy McElroy.

They said that they were open to playing for the Ernesiders, but just not while O'Neill and his current management team are in place.

It is understood that there are concerns over the lack of experience in the managerial set-up, the lack of pre-season games and the absence of a medical professional at training.

Current skipper and two-time All-Star Barry Owens has vowed to play on under the current regime, but owing to player withdrawals and injuries, just three players who started last year's Ulster Championship win over Cavan remain involved.

A meeting took place last Thursday between Fermanagh GAA officials and a number of players who have left the panel. The meeting was held in accordance with the Disputes Resolution protocols agreed in the recently announced GAA/GPA Recognition Agreement.

Today's full statement from the Fermanagh County Board is as follows:

"The Fermanagh County Management Committee met on Wednesday, March 30 to discuss issues regarding our senior football team - we wish to make the following statement:

"We acknowledge that four players informed county officers in writing last Tuesday (March 22) that they had formally withdrawn from the Fermanagh senior football panel.

"As a result of this letter, officers of the County Board met these players last Thursday in accordance with the Disputes Resolution protocols as outlined in the recently announced GAA/GPA Recognition Agreement.

"Following discussion of the report of that meeting, we wish to state the following:

1. The Fermanagh County Management Committee fully supports the management team of John O'Neill and his backroom team.

2. We commend the leadership shown by the senior team captain and players' representative Barry Owens, and pledge our support to all those panel members who have continued to play for our senior football team.

3. We reaffirm that all our team managers are appointed to a three-year term.

4. We regret that four players are currently unavailable for selection to our senior team, and acknowledge their contribution to Fermanagh football over the years.

5. We are committed to working to address issues raised by all players.

6. Following discussion with the GAA/GPA, we did not consider that their suggestions represented an appropriate way forward for Fermanagh.

"We recognise that the senior team is in transition, and we ask that the current team management and players are given time and space to manage this situation. We appeal to all Fermanagh gaels to continue their support to all our county teams."