Cork players reject claims of a comeback

Three members of the Cork's 2008 senior hurling panel have rejected claims that they are willing to return to action under present manager Gerald McCarthy.

An emergency meeting of the Cork County Board took place on Friday night, after talks involving all parties and GAA President elect Christy Cooney and Director General Pauric Duffy broke down at 2am.

Blarney delegate Alan White stated at Friday's County Board meeting that the players wanted three new selectors appointed along with a new coach, but that McCarthy could remain in place.

White's comments had been met with an air of surprise by County Board officials, including Chairman Gerry O'Sullivan, the father of 2008 squad member Diarmuid O'Sullivan.

Speaking to RTÉ News, the players accused Cork County board officials of engaging in cheap stunts at an attempt to undermine tonight's planned meeting between the hurlers and Cork GAA club members at the Maryborough House Hotel.

"Absolutely not, under no circumstances did we ever, the 2008 hurling panel; ever agree to go back under Gerald McCarthy. In fact we are absolutely outraged and incensed that such information was spun from what we thought were confidential meetings and confidential discussions," 2008 captain John Gardiner said.

Gardiner was flanked by goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack who believes that the comments were made to undermine the 2008 players.

"I think it was reported with a very specific purpose. I think it was reported to undermine us, to cause confusion in the clubs and amongst players especially ahead of tonight's meeting."

Cusack added: "It was people cynically trying to take advantage of a situation that we went into in very good faith."

Flanked by hurler Sean Óg Ó hAilpín, Cork senior footballer Graham Canty also added his disappointment.

"We believe the executive of the board would rather work against the players than work with them," Canty said.

"I think what has happened over the past 24 and 48 hours, I think it demonstrates still again."

A large attendance is expected for tonight's meeting between the 2008 Cork senior hurling panel and Cork GAA club members, which will commence at 7pm and will not be open to the media.