Clubs tight-lipped but hopeful of resolution

CORK GAA clubs were last night remaining tight-lipped on the strike action which has crippled the county’s senior hurling and football teams.

Tonight’s Waterford Crystal SH tie against Limerick Institute of Technology is the first high-profile casualty of the row which erupted in November following the County Board’s decision to discontinue the policy of allowing senior team managers to pick their own selectors.

Eoghan O’Connor, secretary of Cork SHC champions Erin’s Own, is confident agreement can be reached.

“We are disappointed that the problem has not be sorted out but we are hopeful that a resolution can be found in the near future.

“We have no idea what is being done between the Board and the players. But we have every confidence that every avenue is being explored by all parties.”

However he admits the longer the crisis runs, the more damage that will be caused to Cork GAA at grassroots level.

“There will be no great damage, if the situation is resolved before the start of the National Leagues.

“But if it goes on and on it will have huge knock on effects for hurling at club level.”

John Arnold (Bride Rovers) believes a speedy resolution is most unlikely.

“Speaking strictly on my own behalf it reminds me of that line about an irresistible force meeting an immovable object. Neither will back down,” he said.

“The timing of this row was unfortunate with so many other issues like the player grants taking place at the same time. The writing was on the wall at County Convention when the matter wasn’t solved. With Christmas coming, the footballers going away on holidays, and the fixtures coming in fast, it was always going to be difficult to find a solution in such a time frame.

“I can see the pros and cons of both sides but the attitude of the general public seems to be different than the strike in 2002. People I have spoken to feel that it is the job of the players to play, and administrators to administrate. Many are wondering if the players overreacted and if the players get this overturned then what next?

However, a number of clubs when contacted last night refused to comment on the issue, citing decisions reached in club meetings.

John Horgan, secretary Glen Rovers, admitted: “Our stance is that we make no comment.

“We took that decision at a meeting last week. Matters are delicate enough so we are not making any statements on the matter.”

Another club spokesman admitted: “As far as we are concerned it is not our problem — it is a County Board problem.”