O'Rourke's decision hardly surprising

The news that Colm O'Rourke has ruled himself out of the running for the Meath manager's position is hardly surprising considering that he has turned down the chance before.

He is widely mentioned in dispatches as one of the leading contenders and he would be among the favourites if he did step forward but he is clearly a non-runner now.

O'Rourke said in the Sunday Game he is content in his current role with club side Simonstown Gaels, while the abuse directed at the recently departed McEntee is also a consideration.

"This sort of speculation isn't something new, like I did actually go for the Meath job on three occasions in the past and even somebody as stupid as I am would get the hint that when you're told no on three occasions, then that should put it to bed," he said.

"And my beautiful wife Patricia has a very negative view on managing the county team, and with good reason, when you see the social media abuse that has taken place since Andy McEntee has left.

"Is this the sort of trend that we want to go with on Gaelic football where people put in enormous amounts of time - and not getting 15 million a year like Pep Guardiola - only to be subjected to that sort of thing from un-named sort of people?"