Se·n âg Interview
9th Feb 2009
Seán Óg Interview
Joseph Sexton caught up with former Hurler of the Year Seán Óg
Ó hAilpín after the hurling supporters march last Saturday. Humbled
by the depth of the public support, this is what he had to say.
12 days ago, you and your fellow players made an appeal to the Cork public for support. Do you feel the players call for support has been answered today?
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Seán Óg Ó hAilpín mobbed
for an hour after the rally on Grand Parade had ended |
"You know what? We more than got it today. It was very humbling. It wasnt
easy at the time asking for it, because its hard to quantify a figure
for how many would turn out, but this superseded our expectations.
There was a tear nearly came out of my eye, because its a Saturday in
February, people have other things to be doing and other worries with the economy,
sport and hurling wont be on top of the agenda.
These people, all these men, women and children came out today to show their
support and voice their frustration. We share their frustration.
These people want to see the Cork team back, and want to see the best Cork team
possible that will bring pride and honour to the jersey. If the support today
is anything to go by, then its very encouraging."
How important was it for you to receive the public support of the footballers the other night?
"I think it was huge, because up until now people didnt know what
the footballers were going to do. They were staying silent. But you know, I
know most of the footballers well and nobody put them under in pressure in any
way. This time last year, they had their own problems and the hurlers supported
them, and I know theyve never forgotten that.
If its one problem, maybe you can bury your head in the sand, but it isnt
and now the footballers are saying theyll down tools now if things arent
sorted. I think the county board have to take a look at themselves, and then
come back with actions to resolve the situation before things get any worse."
Weve heard a lot of speculation in the press that the panel are not
united, that the younger players have been intimidated, and suggestions that
you should all shut up, get back on the field, and say no more. What do you
have to say to people who are saying this?
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Shades of Barrack Obama's calming effect on babies |
"I think that was the beauty of the press conference, because there were
loads of rumours floating about and we had the chance to put them to bed once
and for all. It was a united 30 players on show that night, there was no fellas
putting any other fellas under pressure, and its simple.
The reason why these 30 players are taking this stance and holding press conferences
is because there is a problem there. If there was no problem, then thered
be none of this.
The problem, as we see it, doesnt lie within ourselves, it lies within
the county board executive. Weve answered as many questions as we can
from our side...
The questions have been put to them and they need to answer, not just to the
players, but the the Cork public.
There are supporters out there who, week-in, week-out, pay money out of their
own pockets to attend the matches, and thats money that goes back to the
county board.
Hard, well-earned money. They have a responsibility to tell the Cork public
what went on with the appointment of Gerald McCarthy, because thats the
source of the problem. They didnt, in my opinion, appoint him for the
right reasons, for the interests of Cork hurling, or those of the people who
turned out here today."
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PROC Samba Band raising the tempo |
How is morale in the camp? Do you think this will be a big boost, seeing
this degree of support?
"Before today, I was a bit apprehensive, dya know. Would there
be a big crowd, because you know, if there was no big turnout, well... it would
have looked a small bit embarrassing for us.
But we got more than we could have ever dreamed of, and these people... they
love their sport, they love their hurlers, and they want the best hurlers back.
For a player, looking at that up on the stage, its very encouraging. It
shows that, despite all thats been said, were still loved, and people
appreciate what were doing.
We have no problem putting in a massive sacrifice, putting in 14 sessions a
week, and driving here and there; we have no problem with that, provided we
get the support back.
We got that here today from the supporters, and we need that to be shown by
the County Board executive too.
Morale is very good amongst the players. The more the County Board drags its
feet, the more strongly the players feel what we are doing is right.
Theres a unity there, which was present for all to see at the press conference.
If you have three fellas and you try and break them, its one thing; but
when you have 30 guys, its going to be hard, so look... were still
as united as ever."
Check out Joseph's Blog here