Mulvey refuses to travel to Cork for crucial talks

A doubt has been cast of whether or not a resolution can be found in the dispute between the Cork GAA players and County Board, after mediator Kieran Mulvey stated this evening that he will not be travelling to the county for talks this weekend.

Mulvey released a statement tonight in which he outlined that a proposed recommencement of talks for this weekend will now not take place.

The LRC Chief has stated that he has no plans to continue talks, although he has been in contact with both the County Board and the players.

There has also been an ultimatum from GAA officials at Croke Park that Cork County Board have only until next Tuesday before a decision is taken in relation to the Cork-Meath National Football League Division Two tie, which was initially fixed for tomorrow.

On Wednesday the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) gave the Rebels an extension of a week for the fixture to be played, pending the resumption of talks.

However Croke Park sources have stated they will not be tolerating any further delays, including a postponement of Cork senior hurlers' opening round league tie against Kilkenny, which has been fixed for Pairc Um Rinn on February 10.

Unless the Cork County Board return to Croke Park by next Tuesday with a firm commitment that these games will be played, both teams will be thrown out of their respective divisions.

The ramifications for Cork teams will not be just for the 2008 campaign, but with the footballers possibly consigned to Division Three league football for the 2009 season, it iss likely that Tommy Murphy Cup football may also be on the cards for the Rebels next year.