LONDON hurler and GPA representative Luke Hands has refuted reports of a player revolt within the county panel.
On Wednesday, The Irish Post ran a story suggesting London senior hurling manager Fergus McMahon was struggling to get a panel together for training ahead of Christmas.
Whilst St Gabriel's forward Hands admits that is indeed the case, he has categorically denied that a meeting took place to vote in favour of a change in management, as reported.
“As the GPA [Gaelic Players Association] rep, none of the players have come to me about looking for a new manager or overriding Fergus,” he told The Irish Post.
“Going back to last year, I know a few of the lads didn’t get on with him, but that’s like any management.
“The majority of us Irish here in London get along and we look out for each other; have a few pints together. That’s how it’s been since the Championship ended and that’s how it will be over Christmas and into next season.”
The initial report claims club rivalries between the players of Robert Emmetts – McMahon’s club – Kilburn Gaels and St Gabriel’s has contributed to a lack of interest in representing London.
Hands confirmed London have not been able to get together ahead of Christmas, but insists a reason for any drop-off in numbers for training will only become clear once the squad finally do meet up.
He added: “It probably will be a considerable number [of drop outs] but whether the lads don’t have time or the commitment or whether it’ll be down to disagreement with management, I’m not too sure.
“That won’t become apparent until we actually do sit down together. I’m not too sure about the numbers, I’m kind of just hoping everyone does come back.
“I’m not sure if the rivalries thing comes into it, I don’t think there’s any reason why a lad would decide not to go back over a club rivalry.”
