Striking hurlers and footballers to resume talks with board

TALKS between Cork’s striking hurlers and footballers and members of the county board executive are expected to resume on Friday.

Board chiefs were meeting last night to agree to a meeting with the players on Friday night in the city.

However, in a new twist, the players are understood to be against the suggestion of slimmed-down representation from both sides. Board chairman Jim Forbes had mooted the idea of four-man negotiating teams to expedite the process, but it is understood that has been rejected. That could make for unwieldy discussions, with several members of the board executive depending on availability on one side of the table and at least eight hurlers and footballers on the other. Yet, both parties are determined to make as much progress as possible. There is a feeling on both sides that if talks break down this time, it will be the New Year before they recommence further delaying the appointment of a hurling coach and the resumption of training in both codes.