The Ronan Finn Shamrock Rovers move took a lot of people by surprise. His former manager Stephen Kenny was taking a fairly stoic view of the situation, however.
Ronan Finn, who starred for Dundalk this year in what was a truly memorable season for the club - winning the League of Ireland, reaching the FAI Cup Final and (perhaps most notably) reaching the Europa League group stages and collecting four points - is destined for a return to Shamrock Rovers, who he left in 2014 to join Dundalk.
And predictably Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny didn't exactly sound overjoyed about Finn's move when he was talking to RTE's 'Game On' podcast with Hugh Cahill and Alan Cawley today.
Kenny was asked whether he felt that Finn owed him a duty of loyalty after working under Kenny, under whom Finn's performance level arguably greatly improved. The tone he took in response was one of stoic realism.
Well, that's subjective...listen, sentiment is rare enough in this business now and that's the reality in life itself now, you have to accept these things and that's the way it goes.
Regarding players leaving the club - Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle are already off to Preston North End - Kenny said, "that's part of the job itself and that's something you have to contend with", while hinting at a certain restlessness within individuals after such a successful season.
Sometimes when you get the season we've had...you get Premiership managers at the grounds, we've lost a couple players to England. You also get the feeling with any player that that's as good as it gets, it can't get any better than that.
Nevertheless, while he didn't want to be "dramatic" - "yes, there has to be some rebuilding in the team, we do understand that" - he expressed determination to build on the success Dundalk have had.
The reason we've been successful is because we've had a really huge work ethic, and I think a real, real hunger and humility in the group. The minute we lose that we are dead, we just won't compete. As long as we have that, I wouldn't write us off just yet."
Finn, for his part, has been speaking to Ben Blake of the42.ie and has expressed hope that his good relations with Kenny will continue despite him walking out the Lilywhites' exit door.
I’ve an unbelievable respect for Stephen and he’s a person that I hope to still have a relationship with in 20 years’ time because he is an incredible man.
It was tough but in life everybody makes decisions to suit themselves at the end of the day. I had to be honest with myself...the next time I see him I’ll shake his hand. I would never want to leave any club with bad blood as I try to be respectful in everything I do and keep good relationships.
While he wouldn't be drawn on what exactly it entails Finn confirmed that part of his deal at Rovers will see him start a job alongside his football career. Finn already has a degree in Sports Management from UCD so clearly has an eye on what lies ahead after he hangs up his boots. This perspective is something Kenny acknowledged in his own interview.
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