March for Cork Hurlers Announced

27th Jan 2009

March in Support of Cork Players
Saturday 7th Feb 3pm :: Emmet Place

Last Monday night a press conference was held by the Cork players who are refusing to play a third season under manager Gerald MacCarthy. Many speculated as to the number of players that would turn up given rumours that certain squad members were considering returning to the fold.

On the night no player was absent and in an orchestrated show of strength the players entered the press conference in single file, wearing their Cork tracksuits. A poignant reminder of the many times they have paraded in single file on to green fields around the island for their county.

Outlining stinging criticisms of the manager (which included some embarrassing revelations about MacCarthy's management) and their reasons for not participating in the squad the players then suggested that they would only disband if public opinion was shown to be against them. This was a direct appeal to hurling fans to voice their opinion.

Local station 96FM ran a text poll on the morning after the players' conference which revealed that over 90% of listeners backed the hurler's stance with over 3,000 votes pouring into the station in three hours.

Front page of Tuesday's Evening Echo.

SUPPORTERS MARCH
In 2008 two well attended marches were held in the city centre in support of the "rebel Rebels" which clearly helped to turn the tide in their favour.

Well known Cork supporter Tom 'Bomber' Roche has organised a march in support of the players that will take place on Saturday week, February 7th at Emmet Place (outside Cork Opera House) from 3pm.

The hurling "crisis", if anything, is possibly a welcome relief from news about job losses, public sector pay cuts and free-falling house prices.

Those who claim it's only a game are right in one sense but as Corkonians have less and less to look forward to given the dreary economic climate and fresh memories of a miserably wet summer last year, sport can really lift the spirit and by God could we do with a boost!

While the mechanics of the economy are desperately trying to be repaired by what often seems like a bunch of headless chickens in suits frantically searching for the 'how to fix a an collapsing economy' page in their Economics for Dummies book, the only thing the ordinary Corkonian can do is to fight his corner for what he believes is right.

That means making sure that the right people are in the right place to do the job properly. Few of us will ever have the privilege of knowing what it's really like inside a senior Cork hurling training session or half-time dressing room so we have to rely on the judgement of those who have experienced it. Past and present.

Like our politicians, many of whom are greatly respected, we worry if they have the capacity to bring about a remedy.

Even the floundering government sees the benefit of unity in their negotiations with the so called, social partners - unions and business representatives. Brian Cowen would be within his rights to plough ahead with random public sector cuts and job losses whilst giving two fingers to the unions.

But, by trying to placate or at least minimise tension, with those most likely to bark when Cowen sets foot on their turf, Ireland may recover faster from its current dilemma as everybody gets back to doing what they do best instead of wasting time bitching about the fact that they didn't get it their way.

Whether the Cork players "disband", Gerald MacCarthy resigns or some other, as of yet unheard of, solution is implemented we must plan for the future unity of Cork GAA. How can we remove the bitterness and entrenched views so engrained in the association?

How do you reconcile those who believe that the County Board is under the control of an elite with those who believe the players are way out of line?

It's a massive problem that will take huge energy to solve and people must be prepared to compromise their stances on issues in the best interests of Cork GAA and ultimately, what isn't tacked onto that phrase often enough, the best interests of Cork.

Perhaps, a new body comprised of both GAA and non-GAA Corkonians to compose and gather suggestions as to how Cork GAA can triumph in the next decade and maximise the positive impact that the association can bring to the city and county might be worth a shot. Unlike soccer fans at the Cross and Munster rugby followers there is no official body that gathers the views of Cork GAA and presents them to those who make decisions.

The image of Cork GAA officialdom, whether fair or otherwise, is of men in suits waving rules books and wagging fingers. The image of the players, for some, is of uppity young fellahs determined to revolt at every turn.

If this dispute is resolved what will it take so that those on both sides don't feel the need to go back to the drawing board to concoct their next highly politicised move? This cringing unforced self destruction is erasing the unified Rebel spirit engrained in the county's psyche.

One thing that will undeniably go a long way in smoothing out the rough edges of this open wound will be if the Liam McCarthy Cup spends a lot more time on Leeside in the coming decade. All should strive to ensure it.

Click here to view the February 1st 2008 march for Cork players
Click here to view the second march