GAELIC GAMES: DONEGAL FOOTBALLIT'S IRONIC that at a time when intercounty players are often accused of saying nothing at all, one of them actually says something of substance – then finds himself kicked off the county panel.
Whatever about the rights and wrongs of Kevin Cassidy's revelations into Donegal's football championship preparations – as told in the new book This is our Year– he effectively wrote his own tributes yesterday, when admitting "with great regret" that "it appears my intercounty career is over", even though "from my debut in 2002, I always took an immense pride and gave my all when playing for Donegal".
The problem, as revealed earlier this week, was that Cassidy contributed to This is our Year, a collection of behind-the-scene stories from Ulster football panels, without the apparent permission of Donegal manager Jim McGuinness. Cassidy attended the book launch last Saturday, but was then asked to meet McGuinness on Tuesday – when he was told his services to the county were no longer required.
In a lengthy statement released yesterday through the Gaelic Lifenewspaper ( This is our Yearwas written by Declan Bogue, who is also editor of the newspaper), Cassidy was adamant he in no way willingly or knowingly breached any code of conduct and behaviour, as laid down by McGuinness, or indeed anyone else.
"Last January, Declan Bogue approached me and asked me to take part in the book, This Is Our Year. It was something I was very interested in as I thought it was a good idea. I didn't run it by the team management because I was totally focused on our goals for the year ahead, and didn't feel it would impact on the team. I don't believe it affected my performances.
“Anything I talked about in the book was only my opinion on where Donegal were coming from, and how we needed to change to reach the heights we did. I never intended any disrespect to any opponents or Donegal people. I don’t regret my part in the book. It was with total honesty that I approached it and I don’t believe I revealed any secrets within the squad. Anything that I discussed had been said before the publication. But it should also be noted that I was only one of 10 representatives from the counties involved.”
It was McGuinness who actually convinced Cassidy to come out retirement at the start of the season, such was his respect for the 2002 All Star defender.
Cassidy repaid that respect by playing a crucial role in Donegal’s run to the Ulster title and All-Ireland semi-final, and winning a second All Star in the process.
Yet now, at age 30, it appears Cassidy’s career has again come to an end, albeit at McGuinness’s command: “This time last year I had retired, but was persuaded back to give one more year for Donegal,” explains Cassidy.
“It meant that I left my wife Sarah at home most nights with our new-born twins, Aoife and Nia. It was a huge commitment for Sarah to make as well, and given some reflection on recent days, it was one that would have been selfish of me to ask again for in 2012.
“Our achievements this year were incredible and the times we shared will stay with me forever. It was an incredible time to be a Donegal player. At the end of the season there was a sense of unfinished business, but due to present circumstances it will remain as that for me.
“While I am sad to leave the Donegal panel, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and committing to Gaoth Dobhair. I remain a Donegal man and supporter and wish the county all the success in the future. I wish to thank every manager I have ever played under, right until this point. I learned so much from them and appreciated all their efforts. My respect for them is apparent in the book, when read in its full context.”
The Donegal County Board have already backed McGuinness in his stance, although the ball seems to be back in his court, and his choice now is either to forgive or not forget. The greatest irony is that Cassidy was so full of praise for McGuinness, claiming that in training there was “no slacking off, there is no way out. It’s the hardest I’ve ever trained in my life.”
