The Rebel Rebels

It is a topic that has divided a nation. Much like the Collins and de Valera or Keane and McCarthy debates everyone has an opinion. It is an issue that has caused divides in families and parishes. The strike by the Cork Hurling Panel 2008, could have repricussions far beyond the 2009 championship but its not the first time we have been down this road.

In November 2002 the then Cork hurling panel went on strike. The players were seeking better conditions and refused to play until their demands were met. Having the team doctor at all Championship and league matches, free gym access and disputes over travel arrangements were among their demands. The players also raised an issue about the undue influence County Secretary, Frank Murphy had over selectors. The strike eventually ended prior to the start of the National League in 2003 but not before the footballers too joined the strike in sympathy to their county colleagues.
Indeed this strike was seen as a massive step forward by a GAA team. An organization that has prided itself as the leading amateur organtization in the world had taken a step towards professionalism in terms of training methods and player preparation for big games. Donal Ogs tactical puck outs, Jerry O'Connors all running all action mid-field play, three half backs that dominated the air ways above Semple, Pairc Ui Caoimh and Croke Park for many battles raised the bar for all other counties. Every detail covered, every advantage found and used including the introduction of the much debated Cummins sliothar, no quarter asked or given.
This panel was to hurling as the 6 counties and blanket defense was to football. There is no doubt that these players changed the face of hurling and the record speaks for itself as two All Irelands, three Munster titles and many epic encounters in the four year period between 2003-2006 shows.

Fast forward five years and a second strike. This time both the footballers and hurlers walked out at the same time over the issue of who should pick the senior team selectors. The players believed this was a job for the manager however the County Board picked the selectors when football manager Billy Holland was appointed. The footballers then refused to play under Billy Holland, as he accepted the appointment while the players were on strike. It took 97 days, abandonded National League fixtures, calls from the then Taoiseach Berti Ahern to enter talks, binding arbitration and the sacking of Billy Holland to end the dispute. The outcome of the arbitration chaired by Labour Relations Commissioner Kieran Mulvey were clear:

# Teddy Holland and his selectors to resign from their positions.
# The Cork players committed to not engage in future strikes.
# The new management committee will be five county board members and two players.
# The new management will be able to pick their own selectors.

In February 2007 Conor Counihan was appointed the new manager of the Cork footballers and all remaining League and Championship fixtures were played. On the 10th of August the Cork hurlers played their last match against the soon to be crowned All Ireland three in a row Champions, Kilkenny. After a topsy turvy campaign that was filled with many great clashes and legendary come backs the Cork hurling panel of 2008 bowed out with a whimper.

Less than two months later and Gerald McCarthy was re-appointed as the Cork Hurling Manager. This was followed by an outburt from an enraged Ben O'Connor who was adamant the panel would not go back, nor would they back down until their demands were met. Both camps had dug their trenches and were now digging their heals in for the long haul. A bitter war of word has ensued over the last 3 months with the rift between players and County Board/Gearld McCarthy getting deeper and wider.

At the end of January John Gardiner backed by the entire 2008 squad read a statement to the waiting press highlighting the following:

# They deny that any of the current squad assembled by Gerald McCarthy were put under pressure not to play and say that they will not bear any grudge against them for doing so
# The striking hurlers seek a meeting with the chairman of every club where they will outline their case and address any concerns they have on the current stand-off.
# They are calling on delegates on the Cork County Board to make their real feelings known. If they do that and they decide to back Gerald McCarthy, then the 2008 squad pledges to "disband" and will not stand in the way of any player who wishes to hurl for Cork
# They say Frank Murphy should not be expected to lead the Cork Co Board forever and describe his longevity of service as "unhealthy".

Following this statement the press were free to ask the panel questions, and from young to old the panel were united in their response. Each one singing from the same well rehearsed hymn sheet. It was signifigant too that it was John Gardiner and not Donal Og or Sean Og who read the statement. This was a statement of intent from the players. A last cry for help.

It is 125 years since Michael Cusack sat in Hayes Hotel Thurles and founded the GAA with 6 other like minded men but when he did so its hard to think that it this he had in mind for the organization. With the Championship looming large, the rebel rebels continue to train on their own as a squad united while McCarthy forages away with a panel of fourth and fifth choice players. Although they have shown bravery, belief and pride in the jersey, so far in their NHL outings there is little doubt that hard ground, fast ball and the heat of championship battle and this panel would be the whipping boys of '09.

It is hard to see an outcome to this without one side or other having to make some concessions. Whether you are in the players camp or the County Board/McCarthy camp there is one thing for sure there will be no winners. Cork GAA and the famous rebel jersey are the biggest losers of all in this sorry and sad dispute.