Kilkenny presented an olive branch to one of their fiercest rivals by offering Cork the opportunity to fulfill their opening fixture of the National Hurling League but the GAA remains committed to yesterday's decision that both Cork senior panels must forfeit their opening league points.
The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) applied Rule 136 of the Official Guide yesterday and awarded the points to Kilkenny and Waterford, who they were supposed to play in their second league fixture last weekend. The same applied to the Cork footballers as Meath and Dublin were awarded the points. Cork were also fined €400 per unfulfilled fixture (€1600).
It has emerged Kilkenny were prepared to play Cork either on Leeside or Nowlan Park this Sunday rather than claiming the two points they were granted following the CCCC decision. However, this is unlikely to happen given the GAA confirmed their decision from yesterday still stands.
Yesterday's statement read: "The CCCC of the GAA stated on Tuesday evening that they had taken the decision that Cork should forfeit the Allianz National League points to the opponents that they failed to meet in the first two rounds of the Leagues, Meath and Dublin in football and Kilkenny and Waterford in hurling."
"Cork have also been fined €400 per game unfulfilled. The remaining games in the National Leagues will take place as scheduled."
Cork and Kilkenny were due to meet in the NHL opener at Páirc Uí Chaoimh earlier this month, but the game failed to go ahead because of the ongoing Cork player strike with their own county board.