Footballers tight-lipped on their demands

AN air of intrigue hangs over the Cork GAA strike action with the footballers refusing to specify what exactly they are seeking from the county board.

The 30-strong football panel withdrew their services as a mark of solidarity with their hurling counterparts on Wednesday night but added that they have three additional demands for the board to those already sought by the hurlers. Team captain, and spokesman in chief for the footballers, Colin Corkery, yesterday refused to elaborate on those points until such time as his panel had consulted with one particular individual.

Needless to say, that individual also remains nameless.

“Basically, the hurlers’ demands are our demands, except we have three more issues we need to have addressed, but we need to talk with a certain individual before elaborating any further,” Corkery told 96FM yesterday.

He added that the footballers and hurlers will now create a joint group, to handle any and all negotiations with the county board in a bid to redress the issue. But he added that the county board need now to be more proactive, than they have been in recent weeks.

“The board has talked about doing things, but until they are committed to the issues, I think we had to go out in sympathy with the hurlers,” said Corkery, who admitted that team coach Larry Tompkins was being fully informed of all developments.

The Nemo full-forward, who is preparing for a Munster club SFC final against Monaleen on Sunday, added that the interference by county board officials at matches was an issue high on the agenda for both parties, as this practice had been “going on for years” and needed to be addressed immediately.

Travel arrangements will be another thorny subject especially for the footballers, as they will play away to All-Ireland champions Armagh and National League Tyrone in next season’s NFL.