Red reasons to be cheerful...

REASONS to be cheerful were in triplicate last weekend. Ireland won its first rugby Grand Slam in 61 years, Bernard Dunne became world boxing champion and the Cork hurlers once again donned the red jersey with pride in a thrilling victory over Clare.

The “end” of the Cork strike was a welcome boost to everybody in the GAA, irrespective of their colours. Now, we must ensure that the word strike doesn’t feature on the horizon for a long, long time to come. But judging by the Red C Poll conducted on behalf of the Irish Examiner, 60% of the population of Cork are not confident there will be no more Cork GAA strikes in the foreseeable future.

The poll was conducted on March 18-19, three days after John Cleary’s U-21 footballers hammered Kerry in the Munster Championship, but more significantly four days before Cork’s united and successful comeback against Clare in the National Hurling League. The joy and relief on Cork fans’ faces on Sunday evening may well have heralded a new dawn for Cork hurling not reflected in this opinion poll.

But while some may dismiss the poll, it can, if taken seriously, be used as a blueprint to ensure further strikes never occur. I see three clear areas where action is needed and, if implemented, can ensure a thriving and united Cork GAA long into the future.

In answer to the key question of “which group has contributed most to the latest difficulties” it was interesting to see few blamed Gerald McCarthy and his management team (15%) or the players (14%) or even the delegates to the county board (12%).

All these three grouping are volunteers and in relation to McCarthy and other managers of Cork teams, Cork is one county where everybody knows that the manager gets no payment whatsoever. That fact should never be forgotten and because of that alone, no Cork manager, especially such as iconic figure as McCarthy, deserves opprobrium for his voluntary efforts.

Instead, 41% blame Frank Murphy and the county board executive for the latest difficulties, equal to the combined total for the other three categories (Ger McCarthy, the players and delegates). This isn’t entirely surprising. As the chief GAA administrators in the county, the executive are going to get much blame for any difficulties. County boards aren’t meant to be popular. They won’t get much praise for what goes right but if things go wrong they get stick. If they are not getting blame, they are doing fine. This is true of all county boards. Nevertheless, Cork’s problems are more acute and, these issues need to be addressed to ensure greater harmony and cohesion in the future.

Because Cork is such a huge, great and successful county, they were the first, I believe, to appoint a full-time secretary. Outside of Cork, Frank Murphy would be classed as a brilliant administrator. In fact, the main criticism outside of Cork, was that he was too good and too influential in swinging things for Cork — be it venues, dates for matches, spearheading appeals or putting motions to Congress. Would Páirc Uí Rinn be there today if not for Frank Murphy? It’s ironic now that he is seen in a different light as a result of the present situation. I would have had some clashes with Frank over the years but I would have admiration for him too, both for his ability and his sense of honour. The one acid test of any GAA man is his genuine commitment. That cannot be doubted where Murphy is concerned. His love for Blackrock and Cork knows no bounds and probably, therein lies the problem. His enthusiasm caused him to be over-involved. But sooner or later Frank will retire. The least he deserves is the space for an honourable retreat.

At some stage the county board will have a chance to look at best practice and take the appropriate measures best suited to Cork. In my presidential address to Congress in 2004, I stated that as we now had a five-year term of office for voluntary officials, it made no sense having key full-time officials in position for 20, 30 or even 40 years. It didn’t go down well in certain quarters but it was heeded because when Páraic Duffy was appointed Árd-Stiurthóir, he was given a seven-year contract.

The balancing of the voluntary official with the full-time one is one of the major challenges facing the Association. The situation is further compounded in Cork as they have a limit of three years on county board officerships. I have said before, and I say it again — it is too short and, I have no doubt this has contributed to some of Cork’s difficulties. No sooner does an officer master his brief than his three-year term is up. Cork should move to a five-year term for all officers. It would lead to greater continuity, more consistency and a stronger role for the chairman, in particular.

The other issue Cork should look at is the constitution of the county board itself. Kerry had a similar make-up to Cork’s for many years — with only the senior clubs being represented on the board and a few from each division representing the junior clubs. When we decided to move to a situation where all clubs had one delegate to the county board, people said it wouldn’t work, it would be too unwieldy. But having been chairman of Kerry County Board for 11 years, I must say it was the best decision we ever made. All clubs were now part of the decision-making process, communication was instant and, most importantly, all felt equally important and recognised.

I know Cork is a huge county with over 200 clubs but if all clubs had a delegate to the county board, it could make a huge difference. That, combined with a five-year term of office would be very good for Cork. The full county board may only need to meet every two months with the major sub-committees carrying out the work in between. This move would empower every Cork club, and, would immediately get rid of any perception of being disenfranchised.

Major decisions, like the appointment of inter-county managers could only be made at full board meetings. The whole manner of appointing managers is something the GAA needs to look at as there is a different system in every county. I said last year, when it was decided that a seven-man committee including two players should select future Cork managers, that it wouldn’t work. I wasn’t surprised it didn’t. The Cork players never asked to be on the committee, and while the intentions of Kieran Mulvey were sincere, they were doomed to failure.

Now, however, I believe Cork have hit on probably the best system devised thus far for managerial appointments. Having three Cork legends involved in selecting the manager is a great move and the best way to go.

Having Páraic Duffy chairing the process this time is also wise. I hope this system is retained for future appointments and adopted nationally as well. The appointment of a county manager should not be a popularity contest. The new system in Cork is a great one and I have no doubt will work for other counties too.

So, instead of being pessimistic about Cork’s future, there’s plenty to be excited about. I believe by taking corrective action based on the findings of the Red C poll, a whole new golden era could open up for the Rebel County — an era of great success where Cork will be at peace with itself and the rest of the world. Reasons to be cheerful.

* Former GAA president Sean Kelly will resume his weekly Irish Examiner GAA column after the European elections in June.