'A shock to us all': Carlow and Meath carry on regardless after management team departures

Meath defender Seán Rafferty and his team-mates learned of Corey and McMahon's departures on Saturday. “To be honest, no inkling that was coming, nothing at all, a shock to us all across the board.

“But that's just the way it is, and it doesn't change our fixture. We're focused on that game Sunday and trying to put on a performance to get a win there.” 

Rafferty is unsure as to the reasons behind Corey and McMahon’s decision but wishes them the best. “It hasn't changed my opinion, they are still two lads that are top-class coaches, so it does leave a void but again it's kind of up to the powers-that-be to decide where we go from here on that.” 

After missing out on promotion from Division 1, Rafferty says manager Robbie Brennan has been keen for players to change focus to facing Carlow. 

“Robbie’s a very positive guy and obviously the Louth game was very tough to take especially seeing the results afterwards that if we'd done our job we probably would have went up. But Robbie didn't let us sit for too long and it doesn't define our football careers, it doesn't define Meath senior football.”

Carlow captain Mikey Bambrick is also keen to move on after the players were compelled to release a public letter to supporters following claims Curran’s departure was propelled by “player issues”.

“We as players, we never wanted to go out and do any interviews or say any of that sort of stuff, but we just felt obliged. It wasn't for the national view of us, it was for the people in Carlow because lads come up to me and ask me, ‘What's the story with what went on?’ 

“We just wanted to get the truth and the facts out there of what happened for us as players, because when things like that are getting discussed, it's not fair on us at the time.” 

Asked if the end of the league where Carlow finished fourth in Division 4 was the best time for Curran and the group to head separate ways, Bambrick responded: “Timing is one thing but then you look at it as well, there's still however many months left of football this year. There's never a good time for anything like this to happen.

“You could easily say if this happened in the middle of the league it would be bad timing for your league campaign as well. We got through our league campaign and we looked at that as a cut-off point, and I suppose in my eyes the timing is perfect for us. We're going into summer football again, looking to hit the ground running now coming into the championship.” 

Carlow have continued to train and been bolstered by players making themselves available again. Bambrick is also encouraged by Carlow people’s reaction to their statement. 

“You're getting messages from people that you would respect, people from around the county.

“You don't really know your stance when you're not talking to everyone, but when you're getting messages like that it's great to hear the support we have. You're looking at our trainings in the last few nights, there's lads stepping in and taking our session and helping out as much as they can. It just shows how much support there is there. Even (former player) Darragh Foley has been a great voice for the players there coming out. That's the greatest thing.”