12,000 Rebels March for Cork Hurlers

7th Feb 2009

Thousands of Rebels March for Cork Hurlers
Finbarr Barry

An astounding number of Cork GAA fans have taken to the streets of Cork city centre to support the 2008 Cork hurling panel. Despite frosty winter conditions over ten thousand supporters gathered at Emmet Place and marched up one side of Patrick Street to Patrick's bridge, down the other side of Pana and into Grand Parade.

Fifteen minutes after the first supporters began arriving at the stage outside Cork City Library on Grand Parade, streams of fans were still only leaving Emmet Place such was the enormity of crowd. Conservative estimates put the numbers at just over 10,000 with rte.ie reporting 12,000.

When proceedings eventually got underway, initially delayed by the unexpectedly large turnout, various speakers including Cork hurling legend Brian Corcoran. The multi-All Ireland and all-star winner dismissed insults levelled by the County Board at the 2008 hurlers that they are lacking "pride", making it clear that his return to the hurling squad in 2004 was bolstered by the incredible passion he found within the squad - at that time under the management of Donal O'Grady.

He questioned the motives behind the County Board's lobbying of Gerald MacCarthy to become the coach in 2006 after John Allen's retirement. MacCarthy was initially reluctant to take the job but County Board officials mounted pressure on him - bizarrely while other suitable coaches, who were interested were ignored.

The massive turn out at the march now puts enormous pressure on the antiquated Cork County Board and the current management.