Dual mandate not an option

'James Toher and Mickey Burke made a choice themselves to concentrate on football instead of hurling,' stated Meath hurling manager Martin Ennis today to the Meath Chronicle.

Last Saturday, the manager stated that there would not be any “dual players” in his squad after the NHL Div 2B final victory against Wicklow.

The Athboy man was responding to a question about the absence of James Toher and Mickey Burke from the Meath panel for last Saturday’s decider at Parnell Park.

James Toher and Mickey Burke have been involved with Andy McEntee’s senior football squad in the NFL Div 2 and both featured in the win away to Clare in Ennis on Sunday.

“JamesToher and Mickey Burke were asked if they wanted to come in with us, we have accommodated them in every shape and form, we could have included them today, but the bottom line is they weren’t training (with Meath hurlers),” stated the manager on Saturday.

“They decided to go and play football down the country last week. I was preparing for a league final.

“We move on now, that’s it, they are trying to do the dual thing and I’m not sure if they were allowed to play hurling today.

“They are their own men and they should be able to come out and say they want to play hurling - if they want to play.

“The bottom line, it’s over and done with now, no dual players for me any more. We will move on to the championship,” concluded the manager.

NEXT UP

LEINSTER SHC
Sunday 23rd April - Meath v Kerry at Pairc Tailteann
Sunday 30th April - Meath v Laois at Pairc Tailteann
Sunday 14th May - Westmeath v Meath at Cusack Park, Mullingar