Anthony Cunningham’s future as Galway hurling manager will be decided Monday

Anthony Cunningham’s future as Galway hurling manager is to be resolved on Monday night.

The mediation process undertaken in recent weeks to find a solution to the ongoing conflict between the Galway hurling squad and management has concluded without any agreement being reached.

The independent mediator reported to the County Board executive on Wednesday evening that “despite best efforts there was little, if no, possibility of the parties reaching common agreement, on the substantive issue”.

The lack of progress achieved from the discussions involving key figures in the dispute has forced top-brass to call an executive board meeting for Monday evening where a decision will be taken on Cunningham’s future and that of his backroom team Eugene Cloonan, Pat Malone and Damian Curley. It is now 47-days since four Galway hurlers informed Cunningham of the vote of no confidence taken against him and frustration is deepening in the county at the lack of progress made this past month and a half in achieving a resolution.

Cunningham is not expected to travel with the team to Boston for their clash with Dublin at Fenway Park on November 22, while it remains to be seen who will oversee the Connacht hurlers for their inter-provincial semi-finalagainst Ulster on December 5.

“At this stage all reasonable efforts have been made to resolve the impasse,” said a County Board statement released yesterday morning.

“The County Committee will meet again on Monday evening, November 16, to make a decision on the matter.

“All of us appreciate how difficult this situation has been. We are hopeful the matter will be concluded on Monday so we can begin to rebuild and look to the hurling season ahead with confidence.”