New Carlow boss Niall Carew is planning for inter-county action but says the reality is that games probably won’t go ahead until 2021.
The former Sligo and Waterford chief, who managed Palatine to the Carlow final in 2018, has been installed on a two-year deal.
Carlow can return to training on September 14 with National League ties against Sligo and London in October followed by a Leinster Championship showdown with Offaly.
It’s understood that the tie against London is unlikely to go ahead meaning just two guaranteed games for Carlow.
But ex-Kildare selector Carew said his feeling is that the pandemic could well undermine the entire inter-county schedule between October and December anyway.
He admitted: “All you can do is put your plan in place and take every challenge then as it comes. You have to have a plan and that plan is that there is going to be a Championship.
“But if the Covid-19 situation stays anything like it has been for the last couple of days then you have to be realistic and say there’s probably not going to be one.
“It’s bizarre, it’s been a bizarre year for everyone. My gut is that it’s going to be a big ask for these games to go ahead.
“I hope they do, for the mental health of everyone involved, all the players, the supporters and I’d include myself in that. I really hope they do go ahead.”
Carew, who has been involved with Kildare outfit Naas this year, has a tough act to follow in Turlough O’Brien who enjoyed a 37.5% win rate in the Championship during his five and a half seasons in charge, compared to 15% in the previous five seasons.
Carlow’s 43.9% win rate in the League was also up on the 34.7% from the previous five years and they secured a historic promotion from Division 4 in 2018.
Carew said: “Turlough did a fantastic job when he was there and I’m certainly going to be tapping into his experience. I know him fairly well so I’ll be definitely talking to him. I’d be foolish not to.”
Carew has former Dublin star Ger Brennan as coach and hopes to retain O’Brien’s selectors.
UCD GAA chief Brennan caused a stir recently when he managed Bray Emmets to victory over perennial heavyweights Rathnew in the Wicklow SFC.
Carew said: “Having Ger Brennan is fantastic because he’s been there and done it all. He’s young, enthusiastic and he’s forging a really strong career in coaching so he’s a guy with a lot to offer.”
