Limerick managerial row: Recently dismissed Limerick hurling manager Dave Keane has criticised those within the county who he claimed were feeding the public "misinformation" regarding the county's senior team this year.

In a statement released yesterday, Keane said the main point he wished to reject related to the problems voiced to the management relating to team trainer Pat O'Callaghan. This, he felt, took the emphasis off the county board and player opposition to his management.

He claimed certain unnamed players "showed no pride in the Limerick jersey and were intent on undermining management".

"Prior to the county board delegates' meeting of the 9th September," the statement read, "it was relayed to team management by county board officers that certain delegates, club officers and a number of players had issues relating to the team trainer. Furthermore, it was stated in no uncertain terms that if we persisted with the current trainer then we would not have the backing of the executive."

Keane said there were no problems with O'Callaghan, a publican, as a trainer, or with the team's fitness levels, and pointed out that O'Callaghan had also been involved in the under-21 sides which won three All-Irelands in a row.

He also staunchly rejected allegations that he had relied too heavily on the under-21 members of the panel. "Other issues such as the public perception that there was an over-reliance on younger players and an acceptance by management of the alleged social behaviour or misbehaviour of these players were essentially fabricated for ulterior motives.

"Our reliance on younger players is a misconception," he continued. "We played three under-21 players in our final championship game this year . . . Some of the players still being referred to as under-21 are 24 now. The age profile of the Limerick team is no different to any other county, but certain elements would have it perceived otherwise to create a divide."

Keane denied the "social habits" of his team were any different from other county panels, and he condemned the actions of some senior players "to go public" on the issue. These players, he said, had "failed to adhere to a code of ethics essential for any team, that of the confidentiality of the dressing-room".

"This drew national attention and magnified it out of all proportion. It created the divide, ensured disharmony and inhibited me in my natural instinct in dealing with the team. Such a fragmented team could not possibly develop the passion necessary to win."