Cork hurling boss Gerald McCarthy has reiterated that his reappointment was not a "done deal" while also warning that he will not be hounded out of his job by player power. McCarthy took part in a number of radio interviews yesterday but today released a lengthy statement on various issues of the latest row to erupt in the Rebel county.
Cork player Ben O'Connor has gone on the record to state that the selection process leading to McCarthy being handed a two-year extension was far from transparent and that the decision was presented to the two players on the selection committee as a fait accompli.
But McCarthy hit back at those allegations today, saying: "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. I am happy that my appointment was correctly made. It was not a "done deal" as has been suggested."
Without naming names, McCarthy also makes very pointed remarks about what he believes are the main players behind the latest crisis.
He said: "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.
"I have regrettably come to the conclusion that there is a pre-disposition to conflict among a very small number of Cork players.
"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 following is the full text of the statement issued by Gerald McCarthy this morning:
I have watched with growing disbelief and distress the way in which this latest Cork hurling controversy has escalated in recent days.
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 pre-disposition 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.
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.
As I have previously said, I feel honoured and privileged to be offered the job as Cork manager and am determined to see it through to the very best of my ability. 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.
Let there be no doubt about this. These are wonderful players; committed and determined. They have had tremendous success withCork. Not on their own but as part of a magnificent collective effort that has brought them to the level they are, from juvenile through to senior ranks. It is the nature of Cork hurling that the success these players have achieved, has been achieved before. It is also true that when all the current protagonists, including myself, have left the stage, Cork hurlers will go on to replicate the successes of the current panel.
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 here.
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. But I fully understand how difficult it must be not to be influenced by senior players whom they hold in such high esteem. If these young players are disposed to learning, they are on the cusp of great careers. My advice to them is to focus on hurling, not on the politics of hurling. They should be true to their ambition to be great hurlers and to represent their county.
As a player, I vowed that I would never be intimidated on the pitch by anyone and would like to think that I managed to be true to that. Little did I think that I would be calling on that resolve again. I will not be intimidated or bullied now. This issue is about due process, respect and other core values that I and many others hold dear. 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.
At a meeting with nine Cork players last week, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín asked a very reasonable question: why "at your age" do you want all this hassle? I explained that I actually didn't want any hassle. I do want to get on with the job of bringing a panel of players who want to play for Cork as far as I can possibly bring them. That clearly was not the right answer. Going forward, I will try to handle as best I can all the aggravation some players promised would come my way and will react to that kind of threat in the way I always have - by standing firm for what I believe to be right.
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.
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank everybody, GAA and sports people of all codes who understand what is at stake here and who have offered support to me and my family.