‘The talent is exceptional’ — Burke

Roscommon senior football manager Davy Burke has labelled the talent at his disposal as “exceptional” as he prepares for the upcoming All-Ireland series.

Speaking to Off the Ball in Punchestown on Wednesday on what was another red-letter day for Roscommon GAA sponsor, Seán Mulryan, after Fastorslow retained the Punchestown Gold Cup, Burke highlighted that he loved working with the current crop of Roscommon players.

He also vowed that the Rossies would be ready for games against the Leinster champions, beaten Connacht finalists and Cavan — a hat-trick of games that will make or break his team’s season.

“We’re really looking forward to it. We’ve Dublin or Louth in a few weeks’ time. We seem to get the handy draws!

“We took a couple of days off (after the Mayo game). We’ll be ready for whenever we’re playing.

“I absolutely love it. They’re brilliant lads to work with. The talent is exceptional. It’s difficult. Division One is a tricky place. In Connacht, you’re going straight into Mayo or Galway. That’s where we want to be. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in terms of the level of preparation every week.

“The games are coming thick and fast, and it can be tough going, particularly if you pick up a few knocks. Ultimately, we all want games. It’s probably a little bit tight at the minute. Players and managers want games. Weeks and weeks of just training doesn’t help anyone. Generally, we’d be happy enough,” he said.