McCarthy ends hopes of resolution to Cork crisis

Cork hurling manager Gerald McCarthy has ended any slim hopes of a resolution to the county's GAA crisis after declaring that the time for talking with striking players is at an end.

McCarthy has issued a lengthy statement stressing his desire to "move on" and saying he will continue to work with the younger players currently turning out for the Rebels.

There had seemed to be a glimmer of hope last week when it emerged the players had agreed to meet with McCarthy and the County Board, with solicitor Olann Kelleher as an independent mediator.

No date was ever set and the manager's statement claims that last year's panel is now refusing to meet under Kelleher.

McCarthy's decision to draw a line under the matter has been backed by the County Board, which has issued a statement of its own insisting he is the "right man to lead Cork forward".