OTHER IRISH SPORTING CONTROVERSIES

THIS is not the first high-profile spat to hit Irish sport in recent years. Several other disputes have grabbed the headlines in recent years. Here, CIAN TRACEY reflects on some of the previous controversies.

CORK HURLING STRIKE, November 2002

The start of a long line of disputes in the county began when several senior players spoke out against certain conditions and the standard of facilities laid out by the county board. Lengthy talks took place before the strike ended two weeks later as the players were satisfied with the proposed improved medical facilities, gyms as well as an increase in match tickets and better travelling expenses.

CORK HURLING AND FOOTBALL STRIKE, December 2007

Both Cork’s hurlers and footballers were angered that the county board were reverting to choosing senior team selectors, rather than the respective managers being allowed to pick.

It was the first time in the GAA’s history that a strike caused inter-county fixtures not to be played. The strike eventually ended 97 days after the first threat was made when the players accepted new proposals that were put in place. LIMERICK HURLING ROW, March 2010

A majority of Limerick hurlers weren’t pleased with the manner in which manager Justin McCarthy (right) dropped a number of the 2009 squad and, on top of other issues, withdrew their services, leaving a severely weakened team for 2010.

GALWAY HURLERS 2015

When Anthony Cunningham was re-appointed for a further term in late 2015 the squad was split with many indicating that they wouldn’t play for him in 2016. It never came to it as Cunningham eventually stepped down after holding out for two months.

IRELAND WOMEN’S SOCCER STAND-OFF, April 2017

Fourteen Irish internationals voiced their anger over payments from the FAI for loss of earnings and the general treatment of the squad, including the standard of basic changing facilities as well as having to return tracksuits. The squad refused to train ahead of a clash with Slovakia, but after going public with their concerns, a resolution was soon found.