Paul Flynn says Meath and Carlow have shipped 'unrecoverable' blows, with upheaval in their respective management teams in the build-up to championship.
Carlow's entire management team walked eleven days out from their Leinster first round clash with Meath in controversial circumstances.
They blamed 'player issues' in a statement released through the county board but the players hit back in the aftermath, saying they had their own 'concerns with the overall organisation and training environment throughout the league.'
Not to be outdone, their opponents Meath have a messy managerial situation of their own, with details emerging on Saturday that their two coaches Joe McMahon and Martin Corey were leaving the set-up.
"Following the conclusion of the Allianz Football Football League, Joe McMahon and Martin Corey have stepped down from their roles as Selectors/Coaches with the Meath Senior Football Team," read a statement from the Meath county board on Saturday.
Robbie Brennan and the Meath Co. Management Committee thank both Joe and Martin for their efforts since their appointment and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
The Senior Football panel and management continue their preparations for the opening round of the Leinster SFC against Carlow. There is no further comment to make at this time."
23 March 2025; Meath manager Robbie Brennan ahead of the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen, Monaghan. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
McMahon won two All-Irelands as a player and another as a coach for Tyrone in 2021, while Martin Corey was involved with Monaghan and Cavan teams that qualified for All-Ireland semi-finals.
Meath made a brilliant start to the league, winning four of their first five games but they finished on a downer, losing to Louth and Monaghan in the last two rounds.
Paul Flynn says the 'chaos' in Meath is hugely unwelcome as they begin their Leinster championship campaign, upsetting the 'battle-rhythm' of the team.
"When things like this happen at the end of the year, they can cause chaos, but at least you've got time to fix them.
"One week out from a championship game, this is unrecoverable," the Dublin legend said on The Sunday Game.
"Both teams are in the same position. Both teams are going into the week with uncertainty, all the things you don't want."
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"You want the same battle-rhythm going into every championship game, and to have a bit of structure about it. And they have chaos. It's never a good situation.
"I don't know the ins-and-outs as to why either situation has unfolded but what I do know is what's left behind is chaos, and that's not what you need this week."
Peter Canavan agrees with Flynn, saying it's a 'serious loss for Meath.'
"Very disappointed with Joe and Martin stepping away," Canavan said. Two great men and two great coaches. Everybody's in the dark as to what's going on there, but it's a serious loss for Meath."
