McCarthy draws line in sand

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.

"The refusal of the players to meet all parties, Olann Kelleher the independent chairman, or any other independent person, simply confirms for me that there never has been any serious intent by the leaders of this dispute to try to resolve the current issues," McCarthy said.

"This has been one of the saddest periods in Cork hurling," the manager's hard-hitting statement continued. "The players want the right to veto the appointment of the county manager, and effectively appoint their own manager.

"They don't accept that different perspectives to their own are worthy of any consideration."

McCarthy also harshly criticised what he claimed was pressure by senior Cork hurling players to dissuade younger members of the panel from turning out for their county.

"The image of senior players trying to get young players not to turn out for Cork is one that should make every hurling follower feel very uncomfortable. "

"I am not interested anymore in negotiating with last year's panel," McCarthy concluded. " I have done everything possible to facilitate a solution. It's time to move on."

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".

"Gerald McCarthy has the Board’s full support," the statement said, describing him as an outstanding and knowledgeable coach.

"We would appeal to the players to reconsider their positions but there has to be a realisation that the entire focus now must be on the preparation of the Cork Senior Hurling Team for the forthcoming League and Championship."