Newly appointed Meath football manager Colm O'Rourke admits that he brought forward his retirement in order to fully focus on the Meath job.
The 64-year-old is a principal at St Pat's classical school in Navan. However, he will finish up in the role shortly in order to devote himself completely to intercounty management.
"I think the demands of this (Meath) job are too great to try to also hold down some of the employment I have had in the past, so I will be giving up everything to try and concentrate on this," said the former Sunday Game pundit.
READ MORE: Padraic Joyce poised for three more years as Galway boss - but can he go one better?
"I always felt that when you are in for something, you are in fully or not at all. When you are fully immersed in it, then the chances are you are going to do it better.
"It's no big sacrifice for me, I'm really looking forward to it. I'm really saddened leaving St Pat's after 42 years in it. I'd love to stay for another 42 but I don't think it's possible to run a county team."
O'Rourke's comments on intercounty management echo what has been said by other managers in recent weeks. New Mayo manager Kevin McStay recently remarked that the next four years of his life will be dedicated to Mayo GAA.
Many other managers, including O'Rourke, have spoken about how they have had to take a step back from their careers in order to fully commit to their management roles.
"I would have stayed (at St Pat's) for a while more but I want to give this new job full attention," said O'Rourke. "If you are not going to do it right, don't bother doing it at all. I don't want it to appear as if I'm making a huge sacrifice, for me it's not a sacrifice at all. I don't like players or managers ever using the word sacrifice for football."
READ NEXT:
Keynan Knox ready for big Munster step up in move five years in the making
Cristiano Ronaldo offered new January transfer hope after "p***** off" admission
Conor McGregor's sister Erin enjoys anniversary dinner at Black Forge Inn with partner Terry
Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone dies suddenly from leukaemia at 61
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
