Survival Week

So.......We've entered Survival week 


and we've kicked it off on a bad note or have we??

That, I want to clarify....


Mark Brennan and Declan Byrne are not involved with the Louth panel anymore
that, we know.


What we don't know is......


Did they walk themselves? Were they pushed? Has AOR had enough of them? or have they had enough of O'Rourke?

Anyway, How did we get here.....

Case 1:Declan Byrne

Decky will probly feel he hasn't had a fair run and crack at getting into the team. So, he might have felt walking away and getting back to the club was the best option for himself.

The emergence of Adrian Reid at wingback has been O'Rourke's greatest positional stroke so far and John O'Brien back in the squad could have squeezed Decky out even further.

O'Rourke might have seen Decky as a talented player but who one wouldn't listen or play to his requirements and as we've seen, he has certain standards he expects his players to abide to. 
 
Verdict:  O'Rourke may, very well have cut him

Case 2: Mark Brennan

Mark Brennan's story is different but just as confusing, he was selected by O'Rourke and brought into the side anytime he was fit. 

Indications may show and by indications I mean,

2 sending off's out of 6 2013 appearances this year, that he is frustrated. 

and why wouldn't he be...

Niggly injury after Niggly injury meant he was battling to regain fitness every time he went out and as a result his form has suffered.
 
It doesn't excuse his indiscipline but only adds a reason for doing what he did and unfortunately, this could be the last we see of him in a Louth Jersey.


Verdict: Mark may have fallen out of love with the game and with a suspension looming he may have thought, enough is enough.


Overall, the damage to the squad might be minimal as AOR has plenty of cover in those two positions and experience of playing without Mark for a numer of game this season. 

Nevertheless, it is never a good sign to see two talented players leave a squad and reflects on the management also....either, they are making a statement before championship or that they are not able to work with certain players.

Eitherway and morale wise, we can only look on and see how it affects the rest of the panel as they are the only one's left, and only one's worth concentrating on.