It doesn't really matter PK. The Divisional Championship probably serves the purpose better, and there aren't that many who could make a difference anyway. The biggest problem for the new manager could well be trying to convince lads to stay. From what I can gather, a few lads are considering walking away.
We have to remember at all times that the players are the ones who make the biggest sacrifices. I think in many ways, playing for Laois must be especially tough. You more than likely work or study outside the county. You spend a lot of time commuting, not just to and from work, but also to training and matches too. You did this at a great personal cost to your wellbeing and pocket, and you do it knowing you're playing in a team that is unlikely to win even a provincial championship. I think that makes playing for counties like those immediately around us and ourselves pretty difficult. I can well understand why lads would be tired of it, and even though we were going pretty well under Sugrue, could it ever be enough?
The limbo at the moment doesn't bother me. Speaking to one of the panelists, it sounded to me like he was happy to have a break from the intensity of county training. It's not a religion in Laois like it is in Kerry or other counties where there's something on offer all the time. There is nothing to sweeten the pot for players in Laois and many counties like us. I don't blame lads for wanting to take a break and let's face it, Jim Gavin and his players wouldn't stick with Dublin for as long as they have unless they wete getting something out of it. So I'm in no rush to see a new manager in place. I'm not looking forward to starting afresh anyway after a successful period, and anyway, it will more likely than not be an underwhelming appointment.
