Croker chiefs wait on Cork verdict

CROKE PARK administrators remain reluctant to involve themselves in the ongoing row between Cork players and the Cork County Board, but sources at GAA headquarters said yesterday that they would have to get clarification soon as to whether the county would be fielding teams in the national leagues.

The National Football League begins on February 2, with Cork to travel north to meet Meath in their opening fixture. The hurling league begins the following weekend, with the Leesiders scheduled to take on All-Ireland champions Kilkenny.

The games are now so close, however, that Cork are likely to be asked next week whether they will fulfil those fixtures, as ongoing talks between both sides show no signs of resolving the impasse.