Carlow panel hit out at 'distasteful' claims by departing management team

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the Carlow football panel said players had permission to remain in London following their final game of the league. 

Shane Curran announced his departure as Carlow football manager on Wednesday evening. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

The Carlow senior football squad have hit out at claims “player issues” were the reasons why Shane Curran and his management team stepped down earlier this week.

In an open letter to supporters released on Friday afternoon, the 2025 panel condemned as “distasteful” suggestions the decision of some players to stay in London after last weekend’s final round Division 4 game highlighted their lack of commitment.

“We would like to be concentrating all our efforts on Meath in the first round of the Leinster senior football championship on April 6,” opened the letter. “Instead, we find ourselves at the centre of controversy not of our making.” 

The footballers claim they had permission to remain in London following last weekend’s final Division 4 game. 

“’Player issues’ were not to blame for the departure of the management on the brink of the championship and we believe this has been used to question our commitment and enthusiasm.

“There were persistent concerns with the overall organisation and training environment throughout the league. Players had communicated their frustrations to both the management team and the county board for many weeks. This resulted in a number of players opting out of the panel and a selector removing himself from the management team.

“To suggest that players lack commitment – particularly by referencing players staying in London after a game – is both unfair and misleading. This had been communicated and agreed in advance with the management.

“We are amateur athletes, and what we do in our personal lives should not be used as a tool to deflect from other issues. For this now to be used as a means of disparaging players is distasteful.

“We want to emphasise we did not want to make any public comment on this and would have preferred to part ways the management team as amicably as possible. Now we feel we have no other choice as our character and dedication to the Carlow jersey has been questioned.” 

The statement concludes: “We have always and will always give our all for the Carlow jersey and supporters. Our focus is now on facing Meath, where it should be. We wish the former management the best.”