Offaly co-manager Paddy Kelly praises influence of Mickey Harte on team

Offaly football co-manager Paddy Kelly praised the influence of Mickey Harte on the side ahead of their Division Three final against Kildare on Sunday.

A winner of three All-Irelands, Harte’s impact alongside Kelly at Offaly has been evident from the outset, as the Faithful County gained promotion to Division Two.

A man familiar with preparing for big occasions, Kelly commended the immediate effect Harte has had on the Offaly set-up.

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Kelly said the influence on the younger players cannot be underestimated.

“Having Mickey involved in the set-up has been excellent, especially for the younger lads.

“To have someone who has won All-Irelands and enjoyed success wherever he has gone – it’s been excellent to have him around the camp.

“The belief he has given the lads in what they can achieve through hard work is huge. You can put in a lot of effort and sometimes get nothing back, but having Mickey there has been a big help, both to the players and to myself.”

In a league campaign that grew from strength to strength, promotion was the goal for Offaly, approached one step at a time under new management and new rules.

Offaly were able to build on a quick start to the league, while also giving several players valuable game time – something Kelly found particularly pleasing.

“If you look across all four divisions, the only unbeaten side was Wexford this year.

“The way it is – two games, a break, three games, a break, and then two games – the first two rounds were really important in the promotion battle. You knew if you got those behind you with four points on the board, you’d be at the top end of the table.

“It was clear early on that everyone was taking points off each other, so the goal in the next