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Babs and Johnny: Unfaithfully yours

In the immediate aftermath of the Leinster final in July 1998, Babs Keating criticised his players for their efforts

Mon Jul 24 2000 - 01:00

In the immediate aftermath of the Leinster final in July 1998, Babs Keating criticised his players for their efforts. It provoked a response from the players, with Johnny Pilkington having a lash at Keating the day after. The former Tipperary and Laois manager resigned. Offaly went on to win the All-Ireland under Michael Bond. Since his resignation, Keating's always lively column in the Sunday Times has made fascinating reading when it comes to Offaly - but particularly in regard to Pilkington.

July 12th, '98 (Sunday after his resignation): "A couple of years ago, when I helped Johnny Pilkington with some personal problems, little did I think that he would betray me, but that's the way things have worked out."

August 9th (Semi-final with Clare, first match): "I had a nice investment with Offaly at the start of the year at generous odds to win the All-Ireland. I think I'm going to lose my money. Offaly are not good enough from 8 to 15 to beat Clare, simple as that. Johnny Pilkington hasn't had a good match all year."

August 23rd (Day after semi-final replay): "Offaly's problem was that numbers 8 to 15 were a disaster again . . . . Johnny Pilkington let them down again."

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August 30th (Day after Offaly won rematch with Clare): "For the first time this summer everything clicked for them, that was the big difference . . . still have headache picking the team from 8 to 15. Johnny Pilkington hardly pucked a ball at midfield."

September 13th (Day of All-Ireland final, which Offaly won): "I wouldn't like to be facing into a final with a team as unsettled as Offaly."

July '99 (Leinster final preview): "I can see areas where Offaly might be in trouble. They got away with not having a centrefield against Wexford. Johnny Pilkington was anonymous."

July 25th (Quarter-final against Antrim): "From Antrim's point of view, there are only three players that they need to worry about from centrefield up: John Troy, Johnny Dooley and Michael Duignan."

August: (Day of semi-final, v Cork): "Centrefield has been a problem area for Offaly which Michael Bond hasn't been able to solve."

July 9th, 2000 (Leinster final day, v Kilkenny): "I find it incredible that Joe Dooley is still playing and just as incredible that Johnny Pilkington is being picked at centrefield."