Murray joins Treaty exodus
Tuesday November 24 2009
Limerick's hurling crisis has plunged deeper with Brian Murray, the 2007 All Star goalkeeper, the latest to quit a dispirited squad.
Murray's departure means that just 10 of Justin McCarthy's 2009 squad now remain, stripping the manager of far more resources than he ever intended in his initial purge.
Murray made his decision over the weekend, following Wayne McNamara, Seamus Hickey, Brian Geary and Donal O'Grady into county exile.
Three weeks ago, Damien Reale and James Ryan quit in protest at the way a number of players were omitted from the training squad convened for the 2010 season by McCarthy. Stephen Lucey, Niall Moran, Donie Ryan, Mark Foley and Andrew O'Shaughnessy were among those left out by McCarthy.
McCarthy received backing from the Limerick County Board on Wednesday last but that triggered the departure of another five players including Murray.
Officials have privately confirmed the departure of the quintet but Gavin O'Mahony, who is reported to have left, has not yet informed the Board.
McCarthy is pressing on with trials on Friday with Board PRO Helen Cross confirming that the departed players refused to hold talks with the manager.
Limerick club delegates will not have an opportunity to discuss the situation until convention on December 7.
Meanwhile, talks in Clare have not progressed prompting speculation that Mike McNamara could step down sometime this week.
- Colm Keys
Irish Independent
