Republican News · Thursday 6 February 2002

Reports of Kehoe's hurling demise premature

A report in the Evening Herald that he has stepped down as Dublin hurling selector is misleading and inaccurate, said Sinn Féin Councillor Nicky Kehoe on Tuesday evening.

He was reacting to a story in the Dublin evening newspaper alleging that at the previous night's meeting of the Dublin County Board, he had stepped down as a selector for the Dublin hurling team.

"Last night, two selectors were appointed, but in the interests of Dublin hurling I withdrew my nomination. I did this not because I do not wish to serve my county, but because of behind the scenes criticism of my impending appointment by certain elements within the county board," said Kehoe.

"I decided to place the decision regarding the third selector back in the capable hands of the Dublin manager, Marty Morris, and should he ask me to fill that position, I will accept it with pride and do my very best for Dublin hurling.

"My hope is that he will be able to make his decision without undue pressure from those elements who opposed my selection for political reasons.

"Whatever the outcome, I believe that this matter should be brought to a speedy conclusion, as Dublin hurling needs to be the winner here and that must be the focus of our attentions."