Eamon McGee has called for stability in Donegal GAA after Paddy Carr’s surprise resignation as senior boss.
Carr’s coaches, Aidan O’Rourke and Paddy Bradley, are to remain in charge for this weekend’s Division 1 encounter in Roscommon.
Donegal have to win by a landslide, hope Tyrone defeat Armagh and Monaghan draw in Mayo if they’re to pull off the most unlikely of escapes on scoring averages.
Speaking in today’s Irish Mirror, McGee believes a high-profile local appointment to supplement O’Rourke and Bradley could be important for Donegal right now.
“I think it’s about stability at this stage of the game,” said the Gaoth Dobhair man.
“There’s a young enough group there and you need to get their head back in Donegal.
“(Young) People now, there is so much they can do. They can go travelling. They can go to Australia, America.
“It’s important. If they lose focus – get fed up with Donegal GAA – they could be on a plane and you might never see them again. There is still a lot of talent about Donegal here.”
The 2012 All-Ireland winning hero said It’s important to get those young stars to keep the focus on Donegal GAA.
“To get rid of a manager mid season is a big statement and definitely the lay of the land up here in Donegal, and where it would be, it’s seismic,” he added.
“They’re probably going to have to look at the appointment process and the fingers will come back to certain members of the County Board about how this was allowed to happen.
“They have got to start planning for next year. We knew Declan (Bonner) was gone after the Armagh result in Clones. The whole process was so slow and dragged.
“That’s what led to this decision and where Paddy Carr unfortunately found himself.
“If that process hadn’t been so rushed and out of desperation, would Paddy Carr have been put in the situation he finds himself in?
“I don’t think so. Now is the time to start looking, approaching people, building up a backroom team, getting the right work done – the right S&C (strength and conditioning) people.”
Meanwhile, a special meeting of Donegal’s County Committee will take place in Convoy tonight to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding the Donegal GAA Academy.
Read McGee’s full interview in today’s Irish Mirror.
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