Outgoing Chairman Bob Ryan ‘disgusted’ by criticism of Cork footballers

The level of public criticism of the Cork senior footballers was condemned by outgoing chairman Bob Ryan in his final address to convention.

He said he had been ‘disgusted’ by the extent of it following the loss to Kerry in the Munster final and their defeat by Mayo in an All-Ireland quarter-final notable for ‘some strange refereeing decisions.’

Noting that the new management had promoted a number of young players, he said the team had progressed ‘very well’ through the League and played ‘outstanding football’ before losing to Dublin in the semi-final.

“I have been following Cork football since my childhood and I can say without fear of contradiction I have never been as disgusted and disappointed at the nasty sniping and veiled efforts at undermining this team management and players by people who should know better.

“Cork football is not in the sole ownership of any one person or group of persons or any specific area. I appeal to all Cork football people to desist from this.

He also assured delegates ‘every possible facility and resource needed’ was being made available in the pursuit of success, commenting: “an excellent relationship exists between the County Board, players and team management in all our inter-county teams.

“The past year saw our senior hurlers under the stewardship of Jimmy Barry Murphy and team captain Patrick Cronin win our first Munster title since 2006. This was a superb display in the last Munster hurling final to be played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The team then had a five week wait to play Tipperary in Croke Park and we were all disappointed to lose. I wish to thank Jimmy Barry Murphy for his leadership and the great example he has shown this young team, to all his selectors and backroom team and everyone associated with this team.

Avoiding a response to Donal Óg Cusack’s criticism of the Páirc Uí Chaoimh redevelopment, Mr Ryan said the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ agreed between the board and the Ballintemple Residents Association will be the template going forward in ensuring they operate the new stadium ‘with good relations’ with their neighbours.

“We have jumped the final fence in the planning process. The positive result from An Bord Pleanála has been long awaited but very welcome and it is now possible to finally begin the construction phase in early February 2015.”

*Glen Rovers failed with a motion proposing a reduction in the number of steps a hurler can hold the ball in his hand from four to three.

A Nemo Rangers proposal to allow a player transfer from his ‘first’ club to the home club of his father was rejected. However, Blarney succeeded with a motion which will create an extra junior ‘B’ championship in both codes.