Brennan: Rebels must call ceasefire

GAA PRESIDENT Nickey Brennan has implored the warring parties in the Cork dispute to ‘agree to an interim’ agreement in an effort to save their seasons.

Cork’s NHL opener against Kilkenny yesterday became the second high-profile fixture to fall victim to the dispute which has rocked the Association nationwide. Last week the footballers did not travel to face Meath in the first round of the NFL. Concerns are mounting that both teams may not contest either the league or championship if a resolution isn’t found.

With the crisis worsening the President has called on the players to agree to a temporary ceasefire in their war of words with the Cork County Board.

“I am imploring both parties to suspend past differences and to agree an interim arrangement or compromise which realistically will be only for a period of eight months.”

The President added: “I am asking you to do this in the interest of the GAA in Cork and its place, status and ongoing contribution to the Association nationally”.

Mr Brennan also expressed hope that all players from both hurling and football squads — and not just the player representatives — be fully appraised of the contents of a resolution document prepared by Labour Relations Committee Chairman Kieran Mulvey and new GAA Director General Paraic Duffy.

Despite the collapse of talks this week Mr Mulvey said that “extraordinary progress was made” and did not rule out a return to Leeside this weekend.

He said: “Any bit of effort or assistance I can give to solve this issue I will. If that means coming to Cork again this weekend I will. But I need a major indication from one or both parties that they are of the mindset to solve this issue.”

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach again urged both sides in the entrenched Cork GAA row last night to focus on the “core issues” and not get involved in personalities. It is the second time that Mr Ahern has urged both sides to resolve the crisis threatening the county’s involvement in both the national league and the championship.

Speaking during a visit to Cork, Mr Ahern said he offered the advice in his capacity as a sports and GAA fan, and not in his capacity as Taoiseach.

“As a sports fan and a GAA fan, it is hugely important for the GAA that Cork is involved in the league and championship,” he said.

He described talks facilitators, GAA director general Paraic Duffy and Labour Relations Commission chairman Kieran Mulvey as “excellent people” who are doing their best.

“My only bit of advice, and I say this as Bertie Ahern, that whenever you’re involved in negotiations, no matter what you think or feel is to keep it on the core issues, and not get involved in personalities,” he said.

Sports Minister Seamus Brennan last night also joined those calling for a resolution. A spokesman for the Minister admitted: “He hopes that the independent mediator can find a resolution fairly soon ahead of the cut date for the league. A league or championship without the participation of Cork would be a huge disappointment to GAA fans throughout the country.”

In a statement from the Kilkenny County Board last night after being officially informed that Sunday’s match had been called off, the All-Ireland champions said they hoped that the game could be played at some stage. They insisted they will fulfil the fixture as was, in Cork, at any time, even under lights if required.