But while his appointment was foiled, the fact that a man like Freeman was even considered for the post tells us two deeply disturbing things about the climate in Washington these days.
It was a tremendous victory for Seamus McEnaney's side, without star man Tommy Freeman, and it will give them great heart and genuine belief that they can at least get back to Croke Park for the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Mr. Longueuil was the best man at Mr. Freeman's 2009 wedding, and Mr. Freeman was to return the favor this month as a groomsman when Mr. Longueuil got married.