Cork Hurling descended into an unprecedented crisis last night after all 30 members of the current panel withdrew their services from the county, refusing to train or play again until their treatment from the county board significantly improves.

The decision to resort to strike action had been building for several months, and will have major implications not just for the immediate future of Cork hurling, but also the GAA's efforts to satisfy the growing demands for improved treatment from players all around the country.

Seven members of the current panel gathered in Cork's Imperial Hotel yesterday evening to outline the reasons behind their action. The timing was also notable in that it coincided with last night's All Star banquet, the biggest night of the GAA calendar. It was significant, too, that the seven players present were all high-profile members of the current panel - Joe Deane, Mark Landers, Donal Óg Cusack, Seán Ó hÁilpín, Alan Browne, Diarmuid O'Sullivan and Fergal Ryan.

In a lengthy statement, signed by the entire panel, the reasons were explained as to why the players won't play or train again until the dispute is resolved.

"We the Cork senior hurling panel for 2002 wish to advise that we have concluded our discussion process with the executive of the county board. We regret to say that we cannot report any substantial progress has been made. Furthermore we cannot foresee any progress.

"We have decided as a result to withdraw out services immediately from the Cork senior hurling panel. It's been an enormous decision for each of us to make personally. And one we all regret having to make.

"The current difficulties have been there for many years, and the attitude of the board towards players has been far from satisfactory. However, because of a number of specific issues arising this year the situation has deteriorated."

It was revealed that the players had met with the county board executive twice over the last few weeks, and also held 18 meetings between themselves.

Things came to a crunch at their latest meeting on Thursday night when the county executive Board responded just 54 minutes before the players' deadline, but failed to come close to satisfying their demands.

The panel decided on immediate strike action, and yesterday listed eight different areas that they want to see immediately improved if the dispute is to be resolved.

Their requests are: Gear - Championship panel to be supplied with a jacket, a fleece top and two polo shirts as casual wear, along with shorts, socks, sweat tops, T-shirts, tracksuit and two Cork jerseys.

Training facilities - membership of a gym within close proximity of the players' homes.

Tickets - 20 complimentary stand tickets to be made available to each championship panel member.

Medical - team doctor and physio to be present for all league and championship games. Insurance terms also to be clarified.

Meals - standard of food to be improved in the canteen at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Travel - bus travel only for short trips. Train or flights for longer distances.

Mileage - to be paid at the premium rate.

Holiday - a foreign holiday for at least one week for each championship member and his partner. Daily allowance also to be included.

Funding - Increase needed in the players' fund.

By Thursday night, the executive of the board had, in the words of the players, offered an improvement in treatment miles apart from what they asked for. On the issue of training facilities, the players were told that it was up to team management to deem if gyms were necessary.

Tickets, mileage, and reimbursements were all determined by Central Council and out of their hands.

A doctor would be made available for all championship games, but for league games the use of the opposing doctor may be necessary.

The executive did promise to meet the requirements on meals, but the travel arrangements would require further consultation. But they remained unwilling to fully tackle the issues regarding players' fund, injury schemes and sponsorship.

Neither the Cork County Board nor GAA headquarters were offering any reaction last night. As things stand, Cork are without a hurling manager, without a team and without any clear hope of resolving either matter in the near future.