Brennan 'saddened' at players'-row impasse

GAA President Nickey Brennan has said he is "saddened and disappointed" that weekend talks involving the Cork County Board and representatives of senior hurling and football panels have not led to a resolution of the impasse on issues related to the senior football team management.

The ongoing impasse between Cork's GAA County Board and the Rebel inter county players overshadowed the launch of the 2008 Allianz National League in Dublin this afternoon.

In a statement ahead of the formalities, the GAA president said he had hoped the appointment of Mr Kieran Mulvey, CEO of the Labour Relations Commission, as a facilitator in the resolution process would resolve matters.

He added that great credit was due to Mr Mulvey for providing a memorandum of understanding that achieved the broad agreement of both parties. Mr Brennan said this memorandum, which is now in the public domain, charted a course into the future in terms of the relationship of its players with the broad managerial process.

The GAA chief said that while he understood the emotive environment that prevails in relation to the appointment of the Cork senior football team manager, it had to be accepted that the Cork County Board had the authority and was within its rights under the rules of the Association to effect the appointment.

The Kilkenny man said that both he and Central Council were very grateful to Labour Relations Commission Chief Kieran Mulvey for his efforts and assistance in bringing a resolution so close.

He said that Mr Mulvey had generously offered his ongoing assistance and involvement and the parties are aware of this.

The President added however that Central Council cannot offer any further assistance or involvement and he expected confirmation from Cork as to their ability to participate in the Allianz National Leagues later in the week.

Meanwhile, Dubs GAA Star Ciaran Whelan expressed the hope that the matter would be sorted out quickly, saying that Cork's involvement in the inter-county scene is a necessity for the association.