‘18 LEFT AND 53 TURNED ME DOWN’

LIMERICK senior football manager Billy Lee has revealed how as many as 53 players turned down the opportunity to join his panel this year.

After making massive strides in the noughties, Limerick have fallen into a rut in recent seasons and less players are prepared to give the commitment required.

“Well, we lost 18 in total from last year,” explained Lee, who sets out on his second Championship campaign in charge against Clare tomorrow. “Then there are 53 others that have turned down opportunities.

“Look, I always respect people’s opinion but the disappointing thing for me was that some players wouldn’t answer calls or return a call.

“But yeah, that’s where it’s at. And it’s fine, if you don’t want to play football with Limerick, ok.

“Have the courage of your convictions to be able to say it to me.”

Lee (above) isn’t complimentary towards the GAA’S top brass, whose refusal to refix their League game with Wicklow was a particular bone of contention, and he doesn’t expect that it will get any easier for lower ranked counties.

“I’ve a lot of players who won’t come in, there’s too much expectation so that’s the expectation of playing inter-county and if they feel then they’re not being treated right, I’ll leave that to the powers that be to debate.”