Justin McNulty says Shaun Fitzpatrick’s illness ‘puts everything in perspective’

LAOIS manager Justin McNulty was in a reflective mood as he prepares his Laois side for the challenge ahead as they face Wexford in the Leinster Senior Football Championship opener on Saturday.

He acknowledges the progress made but admits there are areas that need improvement.

But of even more concern than the outcome of Saturday’s outing against Wexford, was concern for Sean Fitzpatrick who has been hospitalised with meningitis.

McNulty spoke about the shock of the situation and the perspective it brings.

"Shaun has had a scary brush with meningitis. He's in the hospital and will be for the next week at least. That puts everything in perspective. For a fella to be flying fit on his return after such a long injury lay-off against Fermanagh, he showed huge glimpses of being back to himself and then a few days later he's in hospital, so that turns things on its head big time from a personal perspective for him, for a young fella like that, and for his family.

“My heart goes out to them, it must be some fright for everyone. I'm just glad that he's on the way through, thankfully. I guess it puts everything in perspective and tells you what's important, and the most important thing in life is your health. So, Sean's obviously not in the running for any playing time, and he would be a big player for us; it’s a huge loss.” 

On the league campaign McNulty said: "I think we've had a solid league campaign. We certainly didn't set the world on fire, however. We had a few strong, positive results and performances. A few results that weren't so good. We did quite well in our last two games, but we left them two games behind us.

“We were in a good position coming down the straight in both of those matches, but we let the other team steal the outcome on both of those occasions. It's something we have to address and fix before this Saturday, and we can't have that situation repeated. We've had to explore our panel in a major way, because we obviously had a lot of departures from last season, based on injury and other commitments.

“For lads, young fellas who have made decisions on what to do with their lives at a particular time. Some of the players have really stood up and proven themselves, and hopefully will be ready for their first run out in the championship against Wexford.

“We know we’ve an enormous task against the only team across the four divisions who have a 100%-win rate in the league proper. They're a fit, organised, well-disciplined and well-coached team. They’ve got scoring power over many parts of the park, with seven different scorers over ten points. We're really up against it. It's a major challenge, but one we're really excited about and one we're looking forward to on Saturday."

With new faces getting their chance over the course of the league, McNulty has confidence in his squad but remains aware that injuries could impact selection for the weekend. Some key players remain doubtful, and he is ready to call upon those who have yet to see game time.

"We have huge confidence in the players we've used in the league, and we have huge confidence in some of the players we haven't used as well, who may be called upon this weekend because we have a few injury concerns. If that comes to pass, that the injuries don't clear up ahead of Saturday, we're going to the wire on this one.

“There are a number of big starters for us who are not fully there yet. So, we're going to have to try out new players who haven't had any game time at all yet. But we're confident they can go and do a job for us if called upon. Their attitude has been exceptional and positive, and we're hoping that they’ll step up to the plate when it's required and it's going to be required this Saturday."

With new rule changes being a factor this year, McNulty acknowledges that while teams are adjusting, Wexford have adapted particularly well. He credits their coaching and organisation, highlighting the challenge his team will face.

"No team has them (new rules) down to a tee so far yet. There's still a huge learning but it’s credit to the players most of all. This has been thrown upon, voiced upon without really much ado, and they've just taken it in their stride and adapted. I think most teams are adapting as best they can.

“Have we adapted as well or as fully as we can? Probably not, but we're a work in progress, and hopefully we'll hit the ground running on that front on Saturday.

“You have to say that Wexford have certainly accommodated and adjusted to the rules very effectively. John Hegarty is obviously an astute coach. They're very physically developed. They're athletic, they're fit, they're fast, and they look to know what they're at in every part of the park, every part of the pitch. Every player looks accomplished and composed in possession.

“They'll be wondering themselves how they didn't beat Limerick with the number of shots they had. We expect a huge, huge challenge, and I guess whichever team adapts and adapts to the new rules the best for the championship, will be the team that will come out on top."

With changes to personnel and new players coming in, McNulty admits that the best starting 15 is still evolving. He sees each game as an opportunity to learn more about his team and believes flexibility is key to adapting to different opposition.

"I think we're evolving every game we go out. I think your best 15 changes every match, depending on what you're facing and what the permutations potentially are within the games. We know more about our squad, but do we know it all? No, we don't. It's probably going to take a number of years before you can really understand what your team and players have to offer, so we're learning every game we go out. I suppose it’s about putting the best 15 for that particular match onto the pitch and seeing how they cope and adapt, and perform, so that's what comes out of it.

“A few other of our players have niggles, who are just on the brink of being ready. I won't put them under any pressure by naming them, but I hope that they'll come good for Saturday."

The winner of Laois and Wexford will face Louth but McNulty is firmly focused on the task at hand against Wexford, refusing to look beyond Saturday’s game.

"No, only one match, one match. That is Wexford Park on Saturday at 6 o’clock."