Sarah Rowe says that the Mayo ladies footballers would welcome back the 12 players who departed the squad during the summer citing player welfare issues as their reason.
Rowe was among those who continued playing championship football for Mayo following the walkout.
"We want to do what’s best for Mayo and whatever’s best for Mayo, we’ll go with. Whatever Peter wants as manager, we’ll do as well," Rowe told Balls at the launch of the 20x20 campaign on Monday.
"You have to let him make the calls on all this. As players, we want the best for Mayo."
Peter Leahy's management style grated with those who left. Rowe, however, did not have an issue.
I can only speak for myself and I was very happy with the environment. I didn’t feel any of those things - that’s their thing and has nothing to do with me. I really enjoyed last year.
Peter's a brilliant coach. We’re very happy to have him in Mayo. He’s one of those coaches who has been involved in the men’s game for a long time. He’s bringing that extra edge for us and we feel, going forward, that he’s definitely the man for the job.
He’s tough on us. Like any coach, he gives you criticism, constructive criticism - you’ve got to take it on the chin and move forward, realise what they’re doing is the best for you. For me, I work best under that system.
The season is over now and it’s one of those things you want to put to the back of your head, close it off; I think everyone is sick of hearing about it at this stage. We just want to finish it and move on.
"The manager’s been in touch through our WhatsApp group," added Rowe.
"We’re talking about things for next season. We’re looking forward to the season ahead. There’s loads of new players, younger players who are coming in. It’s about getting them ingrained into the system over the next couple of weeks.
"There’s a lot of talk about next season and we’re really looking forward to it."
The 20x20 movement calls on the people of Ireland to get behind female sport in an effort to increase media coverage, grow attendances and ultimately, involvement in female sport by 20% by 2020.
Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
