Swift solution essential in Cork row

WHAT is going to happen in Cork? Another week gone by and more damage done to the GAA. Whatever the rights or the wrongs on either side, this stand-off needs to be sorted or at least brought to a conclusion speedily.

I wrote in this paper last Saturday week that it was a mistake to send in Kieran Mulvey last spring and that his eventual solution was only going to bring a temporary peace. It was a bit like the Treaty of Versailles after the First World War. It led directly to World War II.

I noticed that Liam Griffin, the inspirational Wexford hurling manager of ‘96 made a similar point during the week. He was quoted as saying: “The deal brokered last year meant that we were always only one step away from a strike. That’s the kind of mediation used in the public sector and that kind of model just doesn’t work in a sports arena.”

The Cuchulainn of the North, Antrim hurling manager Sambo McNaughton, also made some salient points when he said it weakens a manager’s status when he is answerable to the people he is essentially in charge of.

“Any strand of the GAA is going down a dangerous road when it allows players a stakeholding in the appointment of the manager,” he said, adding: “No structure in business would operate like that.”

These points are most interesting especially as they are being made by the bravest and best in the hurling world. The Cork players never looked for that concession. It was introduced as part of binding arbitration. The solution should come this time from the GAA itself and preferably within Cork.

Either bang heads together in a room or else let the membership decide.

If the membership is to decide I suggest the following course of action: Call an EGM of all clubs in Cork and let each club have two members present. Hold the meeting in camera. Let a player’s representative and Gerald McCarthy address the meeting. Have a question and answer session afterwards.

Then, hold a secret ballot and let everybody agree to comply with the outcome.

It might be the only solution. But quickly lads — each passing day is doing more damage to great people in a great county.