Meath defender Sean Rafferty says that the departure of highly regarded coaches Joe McMahon and Martin Corey from the set-up simply cannot distract the players from this weekend's opening round of Leinster SFC clash with Carlow.
In a surprise move, following the conclusion of the Allianz Football Football League, McMahon and Corey both stepped down from their roles as selectors/coaches with Meath.
Both coaches were highly-respected and heralded when they joined manager Robbie Brennan’s ticket last winter.
Corey coached both Cavan and Monaghan to All-Ireland semi-finals and McMahon was in the Tyrone set-up in 2021 when they landed Ulster and All-Ireland SFC championships.
The news of their departure caused ripples in the GAA world over the weekend but young Meath defender Rafferty, who has greatly impressed this season, says that the players simply cannot get distracted with the championship imminent.
They face Carlow at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday at 3pm.
"From a players perspective all we are aware of is that the boys have decided to step away from the set-up," Rafferty told RTE Sport.
"And from a players’ point of view all the focus is on Carlow on Sunday.
"That’s all that really matters to us.
"Whatever else has to be left to the powers that be and we stay focused on Carlow and putting in a performance in front of our home fans and getting a win."
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Leinster GAA SFC, Rafferty feels the side learned a lot from the recent league campaign, as they only just missed out on promotion to the top flight.
But he says the squad has to look forward and cannot get caught up in the departure of their two former coaches.
"We have to be completely clued in on Sunday," he added.
"We don’t have time to think back or reflect.
"There are lads who are going to handle that from up above, and we just have to let them handle that.
"All we have to worry about is the game against Carlow."
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