GAA: Although there is renewed hope of ending the fourth-month impasse within Cork hurling, Kilkenny boss Brian Cody doesn't appear one bit concerned about the matter as it has no bearing on the All-Ireland championship.
The Cork hurlers, who refuse to play under manager Gerald McCarthy, are expected to meet the county board before the end of the week. That said, neither side has given their full commitment at this stage, despite county chairman Jerry O’Sullivan’s plea last week.
Cody was of the opinion that whatever happens in Cork must be sorted out there. And while the saga rumbles on he says it doesn’t devalue the championship.
"To me, the All-Ireland is never devalued,” said Cody, who guided Kilkenny to a famous three in a row last September. “The Liam McCarthy is there for those eligible to take part in it.
"Certainly, there is no devaluing of it. The Cork situation is happening down there and has to be sorted there among themselves.
"Everybody looks after themselves. I have no idea what is going on but everybody hopes it will be sorted, obviously."
In calling for a meeting O’Sullivan has lined up Cork solicitor Olann Kelleher to mediate proceedings should both parties ever agree to sit down in the same room. It remains unclear if the intention is to have McCarthy in attendance at the proposed meeting.
“Over the last two weeks the players, management and the county board have engaged in a series of meetings over many hours with the mediator, without substantial progress being made,” said O’Sullivan.
“I respectfully suggest these meetings cannot go on forever and there must be a realisation that efforts to resolve the situation must be finalised soon. Please avail of the goodwill and expertise of the independent chairman as he tries to facilitate a resolution.”
What is of concern to Cody is the prospect of missing two key players for the start of the National League campaign.
Midfielder Derek Lyng is in danger of missing the start of the league while Noel Hickey will definitely miss out.
Lyng will undergo surgery to rectify a hip problem while Hickey has had surgery for a groin problem that flared up last June.
“Derek Lyng is probably going to be out for a few weeks. He’s going to have surgery over the next couple of days. Noel Hickey is not going to be in action for a while,” said Cody.
Cody’s options are further restricted by the absence of the Ballyhale Shamrocks contingent, who are preparing for the latter stages of the All-Ireland club championships
“The Shamrocks lads won’t be with us either because they are involved with the club championship,” added Cody.
Kilkenny get their NHL Division one campaign underway against Galway on February 8th.