Meath appoint interim manager but some expect Eamonn Murray to return

Lee Costello

“I really wouldn’t be surprised if Eamonn Murray made a comeback.”

Meath LGFA have announced that Jenny Rispin will take over as interim manager for the rest of the season, but others “wouldn’t be surprised” if Eamon Murray made a return.

Davy Nelson and his background team shocked Meath Ladies when they announced that they were leaving the set-up with immediate effect.

The former inter county star will be looking to settle the ship, as the back to back All-Ireland champions have been on a decline so far this season.

In a statement from the Meath LGFA

Meath LGFA would like to announce that after an intense few days of discussions, Jenny Rispin of Summerhill LGFA will take on the reigns of our County Senior team as “Interim Manager’ for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Meath LGFA statement on ‘Interim’ management appointment. pic.twitter.com/uGkAS7EUxW

— Meath LGFA (@meathladiesMLGF) June 9, 2023

Jenny has a strong existing relationship with the County and players, having stepped into the same role back in 2015/16, and fully understands the demands and standards that come with representing the current All Ireland champions.

She will now start preparing the squad for their upcoming TG4 All Ireland series Group B game away to Waterford on Sunday June 25th and will be looking to add to her coaching team in the days ahead.

On her appointment Jenny said:

“I am hugely proud to have been entrusted with this role following on from some amazing people. I hope to bring some continuity and stability to the set up where the focus is now solely on the upcoming TG$ All Ireland series”

However, some people expect Murray to make a return in the long term, and recreate the “magic touch” that he had with that team.

Speaking on 2FM’s Game On programme, Former Donegal star Nadine Doherty says Meath LGFA could once again turn to the man with “the magic touch”.

“I really wouldn’t be surprised if Eamonn Murray made a comeback to be honest,” said the ladies football analyst.

“He [Murray] had the magic touch with them for those few years. When he took over five or six years ago they were absolute rock bottom. They are fairly low at the minute. He has a very good relationship with those players and does bring an excellent backroom team.

“Obviously he doesn’t have Eugene Ivers [strength and conditioning] and Paul Garrigan available. That was a huge loss for Meath, even more so than Eamonn as manager.

“I just think that coaching team, their departure, was a massive loss. Even if Eamonn does come back, he is going to have to bring very, very strong coaches with him to get team back to where they were.

“Time is against them at this stage, they are out on 25 June against Waterford and then face a resurgent Donegal the following week.”

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