Roscommon in ‘integrity’ row
KEVIN McSTAY is the sole candidate left to manage the Roscommon footballers after Nigel Dineen withdrew citing “strong reservations about the integrity of the selection and recruitment process”.
Fergal O’Donnell, joint-manager with McStay this year, resigned along with two selectors last month before it emerged that Dineen, who led the Rossies U-21 side to All-Ireland finals in 2012 and 2014, would challenge former Mayo All-Star McStay for the role.
The pair were set to go forward for interview next week before Dineen issued this statement to Shannonside radio yesterday.
“I wish to withdraw my nomination for the position of the Roscommon senior football manager, a position I applied for with the best intentions, highest ambitions and in the utmost good faith,” Dineen wrote.
“While I have gathered what I consider to be one of the best management teams that the county has ever seen, which includes four former county players, of the highest calibre, who all share my passion for Roscommon football, I do not consider that this is the appropriate time to proceed on this journey.
KEVIN McSTAY is the sole candidate left to manage the Roscommon footballers after Nigel Dineen withdrew citing “strong reservations about the integrity of the selection and recruitment process”.
Fergal O’Donnell, jointmanager with McStay this year, resigned along with two selectors last month before it emerged that Dineen, who led the Rossies U-21 side to All-Ireland finals in 2012 and 2014, would challenge former Mayo All-Star McStay for the role.
The pair were set to go forward for interview next week before Dineen issued this statement to Shannonside radio yesterday.
“I wish to withdraw my nomination for the position of the Roscommon senior football manager, a position I applied for with the best intentions, highest ambitions and in the utmost good faith,” Dineen wrote.
“While I have gathered what I consider to be one of the best management teams that the county has ever seen, which includes four former county players, of the highest calibre, who all share my passion for Roscommon football, I do not consider that this is the appropriate time to proceed on this journey.
REFUSED
“I have strong reservations about the integrity of the selection and recruitment process and I have raised these concerns directly with the County Board, who refused to address them.
“I would have no issue whatsoever with taking on any manager in the country with my expert management team, in a fair, open and transparent recruitment process.
“But if the playing-field is not level during the process itself what hope is there for a fair/successful outcome? I understand that the county board’s hands may be tied, in some respects, with regard to the legacy of the previous management structure.
“It appears that similar inf luences are at play behind the scenes in Roscommon county football, which were clearly prevalent at the time of the demise of the previous O’Donnell/McStay joint management structure. This is unfortunate and extremely damaging.
“However, what is important now is that a manager is put in place as quick as possible in the best interests of Roscommon football. I would like to wish the County board, the incumbent management and very especially the players every good wish and success in the coming season.
“I would also like to thank the clubs and the people of Roscommon for their kind words and support. I also wish to thank my loyal management team for their time, support and for their faith in my leadership.”