Cork secretary’s report steers clear of Semplegate and strikes

THE thorny issues of looming player strikes and ‘Semplegate’ are conspicuously absent from secretary Frank Murphy’s report to Saturday’s annual Cork GAA Convention.

Mr Murphy, who frequently uses his Convention report to comment on key Association issues, only refers to “a difficult year” in terms of disciplinary matters, which led to much “controversy and rancour.”

But with the festering conflict with Cork’s inter-county players at a delicate stage, the secretary makes no reference to the row over team management which has sparked the strike threat.

Instead, Mr Murphy declares his opposition to the abolition of the Under 21 grade, maintaining the move to scrap it and increase the minor age to 19 are “unlikely to receive enthusiastic support”.

“There is a great tradition of the Minor Championships going back to 1928, and the U-21 grade enjoys player and follower support. These successful competitions should be left unchanged.”

The Cork secretary adds that Croke Park’s Player Burnout report also merits close attention. “Important recommendations are made regarding the curtailment of training regimes that are quite clearly having an adverse effect on the standard of our games.”

The secretary’s report reveals that public liability claims from Cork this year amounted to over €4 million or 15.6% of the national claims total.

In terms of the GAA, Mr Murphy warns: “This is a serious trend, and certain to send our public liability premiums rocketing. Clubs need to address this issue and take all necessary steps to ensure their properties are maintained in a safe condition.”

He also warns Cork clubs to take on development initiatives sensibly, and to work within realistic budgets and projections.

“Clubs should be cautious about serious expenditure on all-weather facilities that are costly to provide and run,” Mr Murphy advises.

He said the provision of a Centre of Excellence, which will include the redeveloped Páirc Ui Chaoimh, is in the planning stage, with draft proposals prepared. “Explanatory discussions have been held with the City Council, but much has to be put in place before final plans will be ready for consideration and approval.”

The Board’s end of year financial report shows that inter-county team expenses in 2007 climbed to €1.42m, up from €1.3m in 2006. Players travelling expenses amounted to €210,000, up from €176,000, while travel/overnights, team administration and other costs also increased.

However the Board’s general finances continue in rude health. Even though revenue was only up marginally (€40,000), net assets amount to a whopping €17.85m — including a €9.6m estimate for the Board’s two city-based stadia.