GAELIC GAMES/CORK HURLING DISPUTE: THE CORK hurling panel appear to have been backed further into a corner as two fresh developments cast doubt over the legitimacy of their refusal to play under manager Gerald McCarthy.

The Cork Evening Echo newspaper yesterday reproduced a document from last June, signed by the entire panel, which gave unanimous backing to the manager, while McCarthy himself issued a lengthy statement in which he claimed "there is a predisposition to conflict among a very small number of Cork players".

The Echo document, containing quotes from all the players and backroom staff, stems from Cork's defeat to Tipperary in the Munster championship, where the players not only gave their unanimous backing to McCarthy, but also stated their belief they could win an All-Ireland under him.

Following that defeat to Tipperary, McCarthy had brought in motivational speaker Cathal O'Reilly, who invited the players and backroom staff to give their opinion of McCarthy's tenure. Nearly 40 individuals were asked to subscribe, and the document shows there wasn't a dissenting voice in their appraisal.

While the Cork football panel won't consider the option of backing the hurlers until experienced panel member Graham Canty returns from International Rules duty, the expectation is that, given their content with manager Conor Counihan, they are unlikely to be drawn into a conflict which may jeopardise that relationship.

McCarthy appears more determined than ever to stand his ground and take charge of the Cork hurling team, as yesterday's statement clearly underlined:

"I have watched with growing disbelief and distress the way in which this latest Cork hurling controversy has escalated in recent days," he started. "I have tried my best to understand how players have painted themselves into a corner and have threatened to undertake a course of action that will be hugely detrimental to Cork hurling. At a time when the hurling challenges are very obvious indeed, Cork hurling is again beset by negative energy.

"I have regrettably come to the conclusion that there is a predisposition to conflict among a very small number of Cork players. The presentation by certain players of my appointment as Cork hurling manager has been quite disingenuous. That is a pity, because the great mass of supporters should have been correctly appraised of both the sequence and direction of the five meetings which took place involving the selection committee on which the players were represented."

In a hard-hitting comment on the motivations of the players, McCarthy was adamant his reappointment was perfectly above board. And he didn't hide the idea that perhaps it was time for some players to retire: "I am happy that my appointment was correctly made. It was not a 'done deal', as has been suggested. I have no particular connection with Cork County Board and, like many, have 'had my moments' with them down the years. I have backed the players when I felt they had a case - against the board - and I am pleased that they are now, without question, among the best treated and facilitated in the country.

"For some players to attempt to retrofit an objection to my appointment goes beyond their mandate as players and isn't worthy of them. To assume that because they enjoy high public status as players they are entitled to treat people in a summary and offensive way reflects poorly on them . . .

"The fundamental issue here is whether players have a right to effectively appoint their own managers or veto the appointment of managers. I don't believe they should. It is undesirable, unworkable and untenable. It is a basic truth in sport that managers manage and players play. For Cork hurling to capitulate to a demand that would not be entertained in any other sport would be massively damaging to hurling . . .

"I am desperately saddened at the manner in which younger players have been dragged into something that has nothing to do with hurling or sport . . .

"It is not overstating matters to say that the future of Cork hurling is at stake and that is too precious to be threatened by any player action. Some players are coming close to the end of their careers. If, for whatever reason, they do not wish to play under my management next season, fair enough.

"But for them to contaminate the atmosphere for up-and-coming, promising players would be a tragedy for everyone involved in Cork hurling."

Full text of Gerald McCarthy's statement is on irishtimes.com