Spillane defends London’s right to participate in All Ireland

By Kevin Murphy

Kerry legend Pat Spillane strongly endorsed the argument for London to be included in the All Ireland Championship on the Sunday Game last night.

London manager Paul Coggins voiced his disappointment at comments by former Roscommon goalkeeper Shane Curran that London should not be involved in the Connaught Championship.

A clearly annoyed Coggins described Curran’s comments as: “A very silly statement to make by a guy that should know better. I’m disappointed with it.”

Spillane pointed out the wide margins that occurred in the hurling championships over the weekend and issued his strong support for the Irish diaspora abroad.

“The London GAA Board should have the same rights as any other County Board. They have every right to be in the Championship.”

“I attended the GAA World Championships and there is a team playing football in the Middle-East that is better than at least six counties playing football in this year’s All Ireland Championship.”

Also on the programme former goalkeeper Brendan Cummins gave an interesting insight into the respect the Tipperary players have for their manager.

“Eamonn O’Shea is a father figure to this group of players and no one wants to let him down. In his interview before the game he was very focussed and the players showed great composure.”