No more votes on McCarthy tenure, says Cork GAA chairman

Gerald McCarthy will not be replaced as Cork senior hurling manager this season, according to Cork Co chairman Jerry O'Sullivan.

The Cork enior hurling panel have withdrawn themselves from selection following a dispute regarding the appointment of McCarthy.

In a meeting of Cork GAA clubs recently, 84 out of 97 delegates voted in favour of McCarthy, and O'Sullivan now considers the matter closed.

“I as Co chairman made it clear at the Co Committee meeting of Tuesday February 10, that the issue of Gerald Mc Carthy’s management was being finalised at this meeting and that I will not be taking any further motions on this subject at any future meetings,” he said.

“I wish to state, as the democratically elected chairman of the Co Committee that decisions on team management have been made by the only body entitled to make these decisions and that any other proposed gathering does not have a function in the matter.”

“The Co Committee is under the Association’s General Rule 59 the governing and controlling body of the Association in the county.

“It has under this rule the sole right to determine all matters relating to the management and selection of our inter-county teams. The Co Committee has decided on its senior hurling team management over the course of three meetings.

“Gerald Mc Carthy was democratically appointed as senior hurling team manager by the only body which has this function. At Tuesday’s Co Board meeting his appointment was reconfirmed by another overwhelming vote.”

O'Sullivan did strike a conciliatory note however, leaving the door open for a return for members of the 2008 hurling panel.

“I wish to reiterate again the Co Committee’s and the team management’s absolute desire to have the opportunity with the players involved to try to find a solution to the impasse, which can only be achieved by dialogue between all parties, and I again extend a sincere invitation to the players to engage in immediate talks,” he said

“I am asking clubs also to use their good offices and influence to encourage their players towards making themselves available for selection for our inter-county team.”

The situation is likely to become clearer after a meeting on Sunday at the Maryborough House Hotel, Douglas, Cork at 7pm.

The panel have invited the chairs of every hurling and/or football club in Co Cork, the purpose of which, according to the players, is to "allow the clubs of Cork to decide what is to be done".