GAA decide to sidestep Cork row

GAELIC GAMES NEWS ROUND-UP:THE LAST remaining prospect of an early solution to the Cork hurling crisis died last night when Croke Park admitted their intervention had "no apparent meaningful role" at this time. So the 2008 Cork panel look set to remain in their self-imposed exile for the National Hurling League, which starts this weekend, and probably beyond.

A brief statement from the GAA last night confirmed that in recent days Croke Park had been in contact with the various parties – manager Gerald McCarthy, the county board and the striking 2008 panel members. However, nothing substantial nor even hopeful came of this.

The GAA stated: “Having listened carefully to their respective views on the matter, Croke Park acknowledges that all parties recognise that the current situation is not in the best interests of Cork hurling and have a shared desire to see the matter resolved.

“However, having reflected on their stated positions, Croke Park is regretfully of the view that there is no apparent meaningful role for Central Council at this time.”

Earlier yesterday, GAA president Nickey Brennan admitted that Croke Park’s intervention was always going to be limited, and that it “touched the fringes” of the crisis. While his frustration was clear to see, Brennan was still hopeful that the establishment of a new GAA player charter would go some way towards avoiding such extreme conflicts in the future.

He said: “The players’ charter is still in process, and close to completion. I would certainly see that as a help. And I’d hope we’d have a draft for Management Committee on February 14th.”

Meanwhile, it is hoped the potential football crisis in Offaly over certain players’ lack of confidence in manager Richie Connor can be averted this weekend when county board chairman Pat Teehan meets the entire panel to find out their grievances.

Teehan met Connor yesterday, but as a number of players have already announced their intention not to return to the set-up as long as Connor is in charge, it remains to be seen whether he can continue in the position.

O’Byrne Cup defeats to Dublin and Carlow followed by last weekend’s opening league defeat to Roscommon have raised serious question marks over Offaly’s form, although Connor pronounced himself totally surprised that certain players had decided to opt out of the panel.

With the county under-21s, who are managed by Connor’s selectors Ollie Daly and Mark Plunkett, set to play this Saturday against Westmeath, Teehan has agreed not to meet the players until after that game. A further statement is then expected.