The GAA Thread

[Mach10]

Rebel squads strike as relations deteriorate

By Tony Leen
RELATIONS between Cork’s hurlers and footballers and the County Board deteriorated dramatically last night after both panels formally ‘resigned’ from their respective inter-county set-ups.


The defiant stand by the players means they are now effectively on strike and unavailable for training and meetings with their inter-county coaches, Gerald McCarthy and Teddy Holland.

The decision was agreed at a fiery meeting of both panels on Saturday in Cork, attended by up to 50 senior players. After a full and frank exchange of views, the hurling and football squads presented a united front by declaring themselves unavailable for Cork training until and unless the situation on the selection of team management is resolved to their satisfaction. One player present said he was surprised at the level of anger that still exists over the County Board decision to back the move to appoint selectors for the manager. Expecting a conciliatory mood, the player said many at the meeting were still “breathing fire” over the controversial move. Said another source: “As of now, the Cork players are officially unavailable to the hurling and football managers. They have resigned from the panels.”

The rejection by the players of any compromise or back-channel moves to resolve the conflict with the board represents a dramatic escalation of the row sparked by the decision to remove the right of the manager to nominate his own selectors.

Cork coaches McCarthy and Holland may now find themselves attempting to cobble together a squad of strike-breakers to train and prepare for February’s start to the National League. Given that the respective positions of the county board and the players are polarised at this stage, the stand-off has the potential to continue even longer.

One player said: “There is a clear understanding among the group that this could mean opting out of inter-county action for the year. Some have already presumed that.”

It is understood that player representatives will brief the hurling and football coach on their position today or tomorrow. The hurlers were due to meet team management tonight to discuss arrangements for next season, but that meeting has been cancelled. The footballers have undertaken not to attend any trials scheduled by the management team.

[cornerboy]

Is anybody really interested?

[Point]

Good on them. [img]smileys/thumb-up.gif[/img]

[Mach10]

*


Is anybody really interested?

Says the man who supports the deise.

[Chief]

They'll be sadly missed.[img]smileys/lol.gif[/img]

[cornerboy]

Is anybody really interested?

Says the man who supports the deise.

It all seems very Dublin Bus like!


Now if the two managers went on strike there might be some sense to it. At least they are getting paid and have contracts.

[Mach10]

*


Is anybody really interested?

Says the man who supports the deise.

It all seems very Dublin Bus like!


Now if the two managers went on strike there might be some sense to it. At least they are getting paid and have contracts.

Like, I just threw up the article, never said I was for the strike. I'm against it.

As much as I love the footballers and Hurlers, I think they should shut up and soldier on. Especially the Hurlers, who just act like spoilt brats at times, which I find a bit embarassing. Is it really their business?

Not sad to see Morgan go. Got us to the final this year, only to let the team be beaten all ends up. No harm to have some fresh blood in the management dept.

[cornerboy]

Is anybody really interested?

Says the man who supports the deise.

It all seems very Dublin Bus like!



Now if the two managers went on strike there might be some sense to it. At least they are getting paid and have contracts.

Like, I just threw up the article, never said I was for the strike. I'm against it.

As much as I love the footballers and Hurlers, I think they should shut up and soldier on. Especially the Hurlers, who just act like spoilt brats at times, which I find a bit embarassing. Is it really their business?

Not sad to see Morgan go. Got us to the final this year, only to let the team be beaten all ends up. No harm to have some fresh blood in the management dept.

Like I said Mach10, Im not sure to many people are interested. Maybe later on it may become an issue. Right now people are more interested in getting their stock of Coke in for thehols. Looks like a white christmas.

[Chief]

Is anybody really interested?

Says the man who supports the deise.

It all seems very Dublin Bus like!



Now if the two managers went on strike there might be some sense to it. At least they are getting paid and have contracts.

Like, I just threw up the article, never said I was for the strike. I'm against it.



As much as I love the footballers and Hurlers, I think they should shut up and soldier on. Especially the Hurlers, who just act like spoilt brats at times, which I find a bit embarassing. Is it really their business?



Not sad to see Morgan go. @@@@SPAN style="font-weight: bold;">Got us to the final this year, only to let the team be beaten all ends up.@@@@/SPAN> No harm to have some fresh blood in the management dept.

You could argue that the Cork goalie and defenders have been on strike since the start of September.[img]smileys/biggrin.gif[/img]

[cornerboy]

@@@@SPAN =articleline>Players insist strike threat won’t affect holiday plans@@@@/SPAN>

@@@@SPAN =author>By Tony Leen@@@@/SPAN>
@@@@SPAN =articlesummary>CORK players insisted last night that squad holiday plans are not jeopardised by the current impasse over the selection of team management. @@@@/SPAN>

@@@@SPAN =article>
The county’s hurlers and footballers have removed themselves from consideration from both panels as the row over a coach’s right to name his own selectors threatens to escalate.

However, the Cork players pointed out last night that holiday plans over Christmas and the New Year are unrelated to the controversy.
<DIV align=center>

< = src="http://adireland.com/adx.js" =text/>
</DIV>The Cork footballers, who reached an All-Ireland final, are booked for an exotic trip to South America at the beginning of January, taking in Argentina and Brazil. However, the players have stressed that this is a trip being largely paid for and organised by themselves through a travel agent.

It’s understood the County Board is contributing less than 2% of the total cost, in the form of two group meals for the players while abroad.

The players themselves account for the remainder through a Croke Park and Munster Council donation to the holiday fund, O2, Coca Cola, O’Neills, ticket sales from the Car Draw and other local sponsorships.

The Cork hurlers, defeated at All-Ireland quarter-final stage by Waterford, have no official holiday planned.

However, coach Gerald McCarthy has been investigating the possibility of a winter training camp abroad.

However, that plan has been put on hold in the present circumstances.

Meanwhile, the man who helped broker an end to the Cork hurlers dispute in 2002 has pleaded for immediate talks between the county board and players to stave off a strike in the New Year.

Said ex-Board chairman Jim Forbes: “Back in 2002 there was dialogue and it has to be the same now. It’s the only way that the current situation can be resolved. It won’t be done on the papers, TV and radio and everyone has to accept that.

“It is very disappointing that it has reached this stage again and my belief is that from the first day this started, there should have been immediate discussions. The longer this is allowed to fester the worse it is going to be and Cork football and hurling will suffer as a result.”

Of the 2002 resolution, he added: “When we sat down back then with the players representatives, I found them to be reasonable.”@@@@/SPAN>

[stranger]

Apparently the footballers went on strike in mid september, but neglected to tell anyone, as the action was unofficial. The goal keeper was on picket duty when the "Gooch" got the first goal and now the Gooch is considered a scab in Cork. Unfortunately the Cork forward line failed to strike on the day which compounded the Rebel county's problems.

[Quinners-the-Titan]

Apparently the footballers went on strike in mid september, but neglected to tell anyone, as the action was unofficial. The goal keeper was on picket duty when the "Gooch" got the first goal and now the Gooch is considered a scab in Cork. Unfortunately the Cork forward line failed to strike on the day which compounded the Rebel county's problems.

[img]smileys/lol.gif[/img][img]smileys/lol.gif[/img][img]smileys/lol.gif[/img][img]smileys/lol.gif[/img][img]smileys/lol.gif[/img][img]smileys/lol.gif[/img]

[Arthur Guinness]

Some of those guys could be useful rugby players. Any chance of a few permanent defectors?


Also,something that doesn't sit well with me is the spectacle of GAA teams scrounging around looking for the price of a holiday. If a team that wins or gets to the All Ireland Final deserves a holiday,and I'm not saying they don't,it should be paid for by the GAA. They make enough money out of them.

[sparks]

Very true AG, just look at how well Stephen Kelly is playing for Shannon

[Stringer9]

I'm speechless like, the players wont back down, the county board wont back down and it'll probally end up in a massive walk away in the end. Bloody board. The championship wont be the same, like Cork or not, you can't say that it'd be better without them, not the same.

[Mach10]

Long way to go til the summer yet, so i'm not too worried.
We'll have a team alright, even if you take those players out of the equation, so we'll be in the championship alright.

I don't mind that the board would appoint the selectors, as long as it's done with some bit of objectivity.

[cornerboy]

@@@@SPAN =articleline>Peace on the horizon as players to meet board@@@@/SPAN>

@@@@SPAN =author>By Michael Moynihan, Tony Leen and Brendan O’Brien@@@@/SPAN>
@@@@SPAN =articlesummary>THE Cork football and hurling panels hope to meet the Cork County Board early next week in a bid to end the current strike. @@@@/SPAN>

@@@@SPAN =article>
At a meeting of player representatives from both panels last night, it was agreed to seek a meeting with the Cork County Board early next week, as soon as is agreeable to both sides.

The players took exception, however, to some recent statements by the board, specifically the suggestion that the board had no official notification of the players’ position.

“This is despite the fact that they were sent a registered letter signed by official representatives of both panels, on November 12 last,” said a player spokesman. “Furthermore, in the Irish Examiner of November 13, a detailed statement was published setting out the position of the panels.”

The players’ willingness to enter into dialogue is likely to be welcomed, given yesterday’s announcement that neither GAA President Nickey Brennan nor Director-General Pauric Duffy would be getting involved in the dispute, an announcement which could be interpreted as increasing the pressure on Cork GAA administrators to find a solution.

“This is an internal situation for Cork which we are not getting involved in,” Brennan said yesterday.

“We believe that there are enough wise heads on both sides to sort the matter out and I would be very confident that the matter will be resolved quite soon.”

Meanwhile, Cork officials have strongly rebutted claims that the County Board only contributes 2% of the money towards the Cork players holiday fund.

Board spokesperson Bob Ryan said yesterday that the implication in yesterday’s Irish Examiner made the Board out to be “mean and tight-fisted”.

“We are anything but. In fact the opposite is the truth. I find such a suggestion insulting because we are endeavouring to do everything we can to make the players happy and successful. I’d love if the board was assisting with eight All-Ireland-winning squads every year.”

Mr Ryan said that the board was directly or indirectly assisting with the team’s holiday to the tune of over €200,000.

“€70,000 will come from central funding in Croke Park, €20,000 from Munster Council, and approximately €67,000 from O2. In addition, the footballers will also receive an additional €35,000 negotiated contribution from O2. There is also €20,000 from O’Neills and €6,500 from Coca-Cola. These sums were all agreed in negotiations by board officials with the various companies,” said Mr Ryan.

“Also players and officials are out there fundraising and selling tickets. And on an individual basis, we’re looking for and receiving contributions from other sources.

“We negotiate the contracts and tie things in to ensure the fund is generous to the players,” said the Cork County Board’s PRO.

“It is completely erroneous to suggest our contribution is a couple of meals at the end of the footballer’s holiday in South America,” he added.

In the estimates to Saturday’s annual convention, a figure of €219,000 is earmarked as a contribution to the players’ tour fund.

“The percentage (of contributions) for football would be higher this year because they got to the All-Ireland final.”@@@@/SPAN>

[busbi]

The players have little or no backing in the county. Except from that idiot Diarmuid O'Flynn in the Examiner.


It was a bad descision by the county board in the first instance, compounded by getting a crap coach like Holland in as a replacment (ive spoken first hand to lads who have trained under him).


However the players are bloddy ridiculous to go on strike over it, half of them are going to be f**king droped anyway. Playersshould bebrought in now to replace them and if they then all of a sudden want there places back they should be told to f**k off.


I think im going to go on my own little strike and just stick with the club this year anyway.

[Stringer9]

Infairness it was a horrible decision by the board, it's like taking massive steps back from what was gained back after the last strike, I think that it was a knee jerk reaction from the players, a reaction that they can't go backonand well it's obvious that they, we, all want to find a solution to this.


Hopefully it'll end peacefully, hopefully not with players walking away. But no in Cork, we've a good few players on the fringes waiting to be blooded and some younger players from last season who, will only have gained pricelessexperience that you can't underestimate. It wouldn't do theyounginexperienced lads any harm at all to be played in the League. Cause there is some fabulous talent there.


But anyway, hopefully a solution, that'llpleaseeveryone,will be found and soon.

[cornerboy]

From a neighbouring county stringer 9, I hope there is a settlement too. This is no good for anyone. But its great gas.

[neiljung]

[QUOTE=cornerboy]

Is anybody really interested?

Now if the two managers went on strike there might be some sense to it. At least they are getting paid and have contracts.

[img]smileys/shock.gif[/img] Managers getting paid [img]smileys/shock.gif[/img], what has become of the corinthian ideals. You must report this clear breach of the rules to central council immediately, God knows what'll happen if money is thrown around like this.

[cornerboy]

[QUOTE=neiljung]

Is anybody really interested?

Now if the two managers went on strike there might be some sense to it. At least they are getting paid and have contracts.

[img]smileys/shock.gif[/img] Managers getting paid [img]smileys/shock.gif[/img], what has become of the corinthian ideals. You must report this clear breach of the rules to central council immediately, God knows what'll happen if money is thrown around like this.

I reported my suspicions to my nearest unit and they told me to Fu*k Off so I did, and here I am.

[dropkick]

There a self appointed king of Cork Gaa called Frank Murphy. I'm not sure but I was told the system is set up in such a way (by Murphy himself) that he can stay as king for as long as he wants.

[cornerboy]

There a self appointed king of Cork Gaa called Frank Murphy. I'm not sure but I was told the system is set up in such a way (by Murphy himself) that he can stay as king for as long as he wants.

He's a full time paid employee of Cork Co. Board. Cant be sacked in the normal course of events.

[Stringer9]

There a self appointed king of Cork Gaa called Frank Murphy. I'm not sure but I was told the system is set up in such a way (by Murphy himself) that he can stay as king for as long as he wants.

He's a full time paid employee of Cork Co. Board. Cant be sacked in the normal course of events.

Oh I just love the county board, it's just a wonderful set up, itmakes you wonder why the players went on strike in the first place with such marvelous men in charge..


Note the sarcasim..LOL.

[busbi]

I have heard that this is unlikely to get sorted out in time for league, possibly the whole league.


Players are resolut in there stance. No moving them apparently, and they are after going to the football managment and asking them to resign.


The football managment are refusing to budge also as there integrity is on the line.


Butprobobly the most pressing thing -Cork County Board have gotten orders from croke parknot to budge on the issue as it will set a precedent for County Boardall over the country.


If you combine that with the fact that the motionwasvoted on twice by the clubs,then outof the 2 its the CCB that are most unlikely to back down. Best and most likely outcome is the resignation of the football managment andthat the players giveing into a compromise of some sort. The majority of supporters are against them and if it goes into febury/march, then the players are going to really start looking at themselfs.

[Chief]

There a self appointed king of Cork Gaa called Frank Murphy. I'm not sure but I was told the system is set up in such a way (by Murphy himself) that he can stay as king for as long as he wants.

He's a full time paid employee of Cork Co. Board. Cant be sacked in the normal course of events.

Oh I just love the county board, it's just a wonderful set up, itmakes you wonder why the players went on strike in the first place with such marvelous men in charge..


Note the sarcasim..LOL.

They went on strike because........................well it had just been a while since the last one. There are a hard core of players calling the shots here and we all know who they are. The rest are just going along with it so as not to rock the boat.

[busbi]

Very true. There's a GPA powerhouse in the cork panels, Brian Corcoran used the be the kingpin and that is now taken over by Donal Óg. The worst thing is that if it is not resolved in time, that cork will not be able to gather an altenative squad because they would know full well that when the big boys do get back, that there number is up.


I would really strugle to support these players on the field again if they geta decision that was voted on by the clubs TWICE reversed. Stick with the club, far less bull s**t and embarresment.

[cornerboy]

@@@@SPAN ="storyline">Cork hurlers' clash re-fixed due to stand-off@@@@/SPAN>
@@@@SPAN ="storytime">03/01/2008 - 14:07:15@@@@/SPAN>

The stand-off between the Cork senior hurling and football teams and the Cork County Board has caused the hurlers' opening game of 2008 to be re-fixed from this Sunday to next Thursday.

The Rebels' Waterford Crystal Cup clash with Limerick IT has been rescheduled to take place next Thursday night under the floodlights at Pairc Ui Rinn.

It buys the parties involved more time to iron out the dispute over the selection of team management which is threatening to ruin Cork's season in both codes. County Board secretary Frank Murphy is away on holidays with the county footballers in South America, but is keeping abreast of the situation via members of the County Board Executive.

The Rebel footballers withdrew from the McGrath Cup, which begins this Sunday, due to a clash with their holidays. The hurler of Limerick and the Kerry football team will also not be taking part in the early season competitions in Munster.

If the Cork hurlers fail to field a team for the game against Limerick IT they will excluded from the rest of the competition, but there will be no repercussions for the championship in the summer and no fines imposed.

However, if the Cork management go ahead and select a team for the game and the players selected fail to turn out, then they could be in danger of being suspended.

[cornerboy]

@@@@SPAN =storyline>@@@@/SPAN>


@@@@SPAN =storyline>LRC chief executive to intervene in Cork GAA stand-off@@@@/SPAN>
@@@@SPAN =storytime>25/01/2008 - 18:10:26@@@@/SPAN>


<DIV =storytools>@@@@/SPAN>The first signs of a breakthrough in the ongoing players strike in Cork have emerged.

Chief executive of the Labour Relations Commission Kieran Mulvey, is to facilitate talks between the county squads and the county board.

The footballers are due to begin their National Football League campaign on February 2 against Meath but a question mark hovers large over that fixture.
</DIV>