The future of Justin McNulty as the Laois senior football manager is currently in question due to the political controversy surrounding his position within the SDLP. Despite the ongoing political turmoil, Laois GAA remains optimistic that McNulty will continue to lead the team.
The controversy arose when McNulty, a former Armagh player, was suspended from the SDLP after he left the new Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont to manage Laois in their National Football League Division Four fixture at Wexford Park. This decision sparked criticism and debate, with the SDLP expressing concerns about McNulty juggling both political and coaching roles.
After attending the start of the sitting at Stormont, McNulty departed before the confirmation of his party colleague as leader of the opposition. His absence from Stormont from approximately 2:40pm onwards raised significant attention. Despite this, Laois emerged victorious in their fixture against Wexford, showcasing their resilience on the field.
The political situation continued to evolve throughout Monday, with several members of the Laois GAA executive committee refraining from commenting on the matter. However, there is a prevailing sentiment within the county that McNulty will continue in his role as football manager.
Laois currently holds a joint top position in the Division Four table, winning their opening two games against Longford and Wexford. Their upcoming fixture against Carlow on Saturday, February 17th looms ahead, as the team aims to maintain their winning streak under McNulty’s guidance.
While McNulty’s future within the SDLP remains uncertain, there have been discussions about potential alternatives, including the option of returning as a councillor. Furthermore, there have been suggestions that McNulty might consider continuing as an MLA but sitting as an independent if not reinstated by the SDLP.
In response to the controversy, Colum Eastwood, leader of the SDLP, emphasized the full-time commitment expected from all MLAs, highlighting the incompatibility of holding both political and coaching positions. Despite the impasse, the SDLP has expressed openness to McNulty’s return, provided he is willing to fully commit to his role as an MLA.
As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of Justin McNulty as both Laois GAA football manager and a political figure remains uncertain. The coming days will shed light on the decisions and potential outcomes in this complex and multifaceted situation.