Irish Daily Mirror

I’m Dunne with issue says John

- BY PAT NOLAN

JOHN MAUGHAN has declined to comment on a tweet from Nigel Dunne which described the Offaly football camp as an “uncomforta­ble environmen­t”.

Dunne, who quit the panel last Tuesday night, stated on Twitter that he “felt isolated and unwelcome in the set-up”.

Speaking after Offaly’s defeat to Down on Saturday, boss Maughan said he was “shocked and surprised” to receive a text from Dunne outlining his departure, before adding: “It’s his decision and if he’s wasn’t enjoying it and prepared to play for Offaly then that’s fine.”

Dunne then posted the following statement on his Twitter account: “The manager was aware of personal issues going on in my life. The text I sent saying I was leaving the panel was a result of weeks of an uncomforta­ble environmen­t for me. I felt isolated and unwelcome.

“I appreciate my reputation goes before me but this is a different scenario. Now that is that, it’s best for all involved. Best of luck to the players and management for the remainder of this year.”

When contacted by Mirror Sport, Maughan declined the opportunit­y to respond to the claims.

The Shamrocks man has quit the panel in the past, most notably following last year’s Leinster SFC defeat to Wicklow though he returned swiftly when Paul Rouse was appointed as interim manager for the qualifiers after Stephen Wallace’s removal.

It is believed that Dunne decided to quit the panel after aspects of his play were criticised in a debrief at training last Tuesday.

 ??  ?? UNCOMFORTA­BLE Nigel Dunne is no longer on panel
UNCOMFORTA­BLE Nigel Dunne is no longer on panel
 ??  ?? BOSS John Maughan did not comment on statement
BOSS John Maughan did not comment on statement

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