BBC SPORT | N Ireland | Antrim GAA row abates

Relations between new Antrim football boss PJ O'Hare and a group of previously disillusioned county players appear to have improved.

O'Hare is understood to have met with county players last week where he listened to a number of grievances.

Fourteen players had made an unsuccessful attempt to prevent O'Hare's appointment being ratified by the county's clubs.

The players had said that they were not launching a "personal attack" on O'Hare but were unhappy with the way the new boss had been appointed.

O'Hare's appointment last month was something of a surprise.

Colin Corkery with the Munster Football Championship trophy this year
Colin Corkery: Supports Cork hurlers

One of the 14 Antrim players concerned told BBC Sport Online that squad members were concerned that the new boss would not get the resources he required to compete at intercounty level.

However, O'Hare is said to have addressed those complaints head-on at the meeting last Wednesday.

The new manager told players that they would be given free membership of a Belfast gym, something which the county hurlers have had for over a year.

A previously unhappy Antrim player has now acknowledged that O'Hare will be given an "honest chance" to prove that he is the right man for the job.

While Antrim's troubles appear to be abating, Cork's difficulties continue.

Speculation is rife that the Cork hurling selectors will resign following the players' sensational announcement last week that they were on strike.

Team manager Bertie Og Murphy resigned last month prior to the players announcing their move to withdraw their services.

We're in the same boat

Colin Corkery

One of the Cork selectors is county secretary Frank Murphy.

There was a further twist in the affair on Tuesday when Colin Corkery revealed that the county football squad was set to joint the hurlers in going on strike.

"We're in the same boat," said Corkery.

"To be honest all down the years there has been a lot of dissatisfaction about certain things but the courage of the hurlers has brought it to a head," he added.

Dublin player cap

The Cork county board has called on open meeting for Tuesday night to discuss the crisis which is unprecedented in GAA history.

It's possible that incoming GAA president Sean Kelly will be present at the meeting to mediate.

Meanwhile, Dublin secretary John Costello has said that the county may consider a limit on the number of players from other counties from playing club football in the capital.

Costello feels that the influx of stars from other counties has affected the development of young Dublin players.


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