Cooney to mediate in Tipp dispute

FORMER Munster Council Chairman Christy Cooney is to mediate in the row between the Tipperary football board, the county board and the senior football side.

Cooney’s appointment was recommended by the Munster Council and it has been indicated that he is acceptable to all parties.

The mediation process is set to begin immediately in an effort to end a conflict which has its roots in the decision to withdraw the team from the All-Ireland football qualifier against Fermanagh in June.

That followed the resignation of Andy Shorthall in protest at the decision to proceed with a Mid-Tipperary SHC game between Loughmore-Castleiney and Thurles Sarsfields, which involved two members of the senior football panel.

The mid-board decided by secret ballot that the game should go ahead and Shorthall quit, along with selectors Mick Byrnes and Jim Cahill.

The controversy took a new twist last month when, at a County Board meeting, a move was made to prevent the three selectors from getting involved for a two-year period.

Cooney, who will be a candidate for the Presidency of the Association next year, along with Leinster Chairman Nickey Brennan, is seen as a skilled negotiator. He was praised for his chairing of the committee which formulated the proposals of the Strategic review committee relating to Dublin.

Cooney was not available for comment yesterday.