GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl has revealed his personal disappointment that Pete McGrath has stepped down as Fermanagh senior boss as a consequence of player power.
His comments come after McGrath’s shock decision to step down just days after Fermanagh GAA announced the Down man would be staying on for a fifth season in charge. It is believed a players meeting on Thursday evening voted by 21-9 in favour of McGrath not staying.
He led the Erne County to the All-Ireland quarter-final two years ago, but has admitted the split has not been amicable.
Earlier today Mr Ó Fearghaíl expressed sympathy for McGrath while denying players as a whole had developed a sense of entitlement.
Speaking at the launch of the All-Ireland Championship, the Cavan man said: “It’s always disappointing when things like that happen. When you lose your dressing room, you’re in difficulty. The process has to work on a local level. It works in most cases and sometimes it breaks down and it’s regrettable when it does.”
He added: “I feel on a personal level for Peter. It’s unfortunate and I do feel sorry for him.”