Im not really a hurling man but I do follow the country team as best I can, down the years with Laois its usually we have a few decent players and an average set up with several good players not committing to the cause for whatever reason. Laois would put it up to certain teams but once they stepped up to play a top tier side they would get bet out of the gate.
It is not easy getting a decent manager for a county team like ours and we have had plenty of journey men who have been a shambles with the 10-20 conceded to Cork 9 years ago a stand out moment. Cheddar was even tasked with seeking a manger and had to take the job himself, I was at the Galway game i what was. a huge improvement in terms of standard from Laois. But Laois could not push on and it seemed like they might fall back to the doldrums and Eddie Brennan could have been yet another journey man manager.
From an outsider looking in it was clear that Brennan was the real deal, again there was talk of some layers who were not on board, but this was ignored by management who were just interested in players committing and preparing a team to compete which they did, not only did they win the Joe McD cup they then went on to beat a highly fancied Dublin team and even gave eventual AI champions a run for their money until they were reduced to 14 men. After such a hugely successful year you would imagine it would have the 'Micko' effect of everyone pulling together to make sure the players have the best possible opportunity of competing at the highest level. Yet we heard players would not be available this year and wondered would this be another fall from grace, the Dubs put us to the sword but the lads bounced back and really gave it everything against Clare. For me it shows that Brennan has the potential to be a top manager and I would not be surprised to see hm manage the Cats in future.
Laois really need to do all they can to keep him in charge and address any areas he feels we are lacking or we will look back on this period as an opportunity missed. I get that people are upset over his comments but it was meant to off the record and a bit of a joke that it got released, Parkinson should be ashamed of himself if it was indeed a genuine mistake. Im sure worse things have been said about county boards up and down the country off the record.