BEST.. BAR NONE

Royals hail O’rourke for relaxed style

IN a era where people have been process driven to distraction, the more light-hearted approach of Colm O’rourke has struck a chord with the Meath players and public.

O’rourke’s colourful habit of breaking into Latin comes from his time as principal in St. Pat’s Navan.

After the draw with Cavan back in March, which secured Meath’s Division 2 status, O’rourke joked: “It’s time for Nunc Est Bibendum,” which roughly translates as ‘now is the time for drinking.’

“We’ll taste the delicacies of some north Meath taverns,” he continued.

O’rourke was later pictured behind the bar at the Carnaross Inn, near Kells (inset, above).

Jim Gavin wouldn’t even be pictured with the Sam Maguire, never mind pulling pints at the Boar’s Head.

But there are many ways to manage.

Former Meath captain Seamus Kenny was at school in St. Pat’s Navan in O’rourke’s time, and was part of the Simonstown side, which O’rourke managed to win back to back Meath titles in 2016/17. 2016 was their first ever senior title.

Kenny recalls a training environment that was “never a chore,” and “one of fun and hard work.”

“He would always say people that are comfortable enjoying their football and enjoying the environment, it leads to performing well because there is not the pressure,” said Kenny.

“He is trying to relieve that pressure I suppose.

“I suppose it’s just another modus operandi that he would use. You have to be your own man as well and he’s not there to micro manage anyone.

“What Colm wants is people that are responsible for their own actions – individual and independent thinkers.

“He gives the players that autonomy and respect. He understands that you have to have down time. There is a life there and you have to get the balance right.

“I suppose being able to

socialise in that particular environment where there is not the pressure of being an inter-county footballer.

“That was always one of the things Colm was strong on. He always found it a great way to bond with players,

“But also that the players had to respect themselves and respect one another, and that they could have their fun but you also had to train hard.” Meath vice captain Matthew Costello says it’s a case of what you see is what you get with O’rourke.

“He’s like that behind closed doors as well. Very charismatic,” says Costello.

“He gives lads a lot of confidence going out and he’s got a great management team behind him as well that probably do more of the on field training.”