NEW Meath manager Robbie Brennan has hinted that he could bring back a number of former players.
Brennan has replaced Colm O’Rourke, who put an emphasis on blooding young talent in his two years in charge.
2
2
The new Royals chief plans to coax several players back into the fold.
Former All-Star nominee Conor McGill did not feature under O’Rourke while Ratoath colleague Jack Flynn surprisingly left the panel last February.
Ex-captain Shane McEntee and his cousin James, along with attacker Donal Lenihan, did not line out this year.
Bryan McMahon and the Wallace brothers Eamonn and Joey (all Ratoath), Eoin Harkin (Dunsany) and Pádraic Harnan (Moynalvey) could also return.
READ MORE ON GAA FOOTBALL
Brennan said: “We’ll be looking at one or two that may not have been there and trying to encourage them back into the fold. We’re working on that at the minute.”
Meanwhile, Paul Flanagan has retired from inter-county hurling, prompting tributes from fans to the Clare GAA cult hero.
The defender is a two-time All-Ireland winner with the Banner, having been on the bench for both the 2013 final and this past summer’s win over Cork.
In a social media post from Clare GAA, Flanagan described his inter-county career as the honour of his life.
He said: “It has been the honour of my life. Thank you for the opportunity and support along the way.”
As well as being part of the squad that won the Liam McCarthy in 2013, Flanagan captained the county’s U21s to the All-Ireland the same year.
While he came off the bench against Wexford and Laois in the senior championship that year, it wasn’t until 2020 that he got a full appearance.
The Ballyea man had his best season in 2022 when he was a regular starter at corner-back and was nominated for an All-Star.
Reacting to his retirement on social media, fans showered praise on the 32-year-old.
ClareFM legend Derrick Lynch said: “U21 All Ireland winning captain & all round good guy. One of the tidiest defenders in the game”
Rob Mulcahy described him as an “incredible guy on and off the pitch.”
Daragh Corry added: “The epitome of resolve and resiliency. An absolute warrior. Comhghairdeas a Phól.”
Another posted: “Paul Flanagan, always an exceptional corner back and with the resumé to boot. Hard to remember him having a bad game in a Clare jersey. Congrats on retirement from Intercounty”
As well as being a popular presence with the yellow and blue, Flanagan is a decorated stalwart for Ballyea.
He has won four Clare SHC titles, as well as the Munster hurling title in 2016.
In addition to this, he is a two-time Clare IFC winner with Clondegad.
Ballyea, for whom he plays alongside Tony Kelly, said: “Ballyea GAA would like to wish Paul Flanagan well on his retirement from Clare
“Hurling having achieved the highest of accolades at Minor, u21 and Senior level and bringing such joy to supporters down through the years.
“Congratulations and well done Paul.
“We can all look forward to seeing Paul continue his Club Hurling with Ballyea for many years to come yet.”
