O’Grady resolute as board begs him to stay

DESPITE persistent overtures from Cork GAA chairman Jim Forbes, Donal O’Grady refused to reconsider his decision to step down as coach to the All-Ireland winning Cork hurlers.

“At the end of the 2003 campaign, Donal intimated to me that, win or lose, the 2004 season would be his last with the team. I had spoken to him on several occasions about reconsidering, including three hours with him today (Monday) in the hope that he might change his mind, but Donal was adamant he was leaving”, said Mr Forbes.

Mr Forbes said he deeply regretted O’Grady’s decision but understood his reasons completely.