Banner boss ‘optimistic’ on dispute

CLARE chairman Michael O’Neill is ‘optimistic’ that the dispute between the county’s senior hurlers and the management team of Mike McNamara can be resolved quickly.

His comments come after Tuesday night’s board meeting where delegates decided that the parties should meet at round-table talks, with O’Neill and two independent individuals of his choosing, acting as arbiters.

The background to the row has been simmering for the past month when players informed the board that they no longer had faith in the trio of McNamara, Ollie Baker and Alan Cunningham for the 2010 season after a disastrous league and championship this year.