McCarthy: My life was threatened
Gerald McCarthy at Mallow GAA Club last night after stepping down as manager of the Cork senior hurling team
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Gerald McCarthy has stepped down as Cork hurling manager because of a threat to his life which is now in the hands of gardai, he said last night.
In an explosive statement, McCarthy said the final straw for him came when his father, who is in his mid 80s, pleaded with him to step down after the latest threat.
McCarthy said the ongoing threats and abuse he and his family have had to endure in recent weeks were "one of two tipping points" that have brought him to his decision.
He also claimed last night that "apparent advice" was given to the 2008 players not to attend the recent funeral of his mother, something he says "devastated his father and family".
If such advice was given, it would be a serious escalation of the four-and-a half-month-old crisis.
McCarthy is understood to have confronted one of the 2008 players on this issue at the recent attempt by Croke Park to bring about a peaceful settlement.
"It reflects a lack of human warmth that we will never understand. The fact that the advice was ignored by some of the panel was deeply appreciated by us and those players who attended the removal or the funeral will testify to the welcome they received from my father, from me and the rest of the McCarthy family," he said.
McCarthy, who informed the 2009 squad of his decision at a planned training session in Mallow last night, said he could no longer expect his family to withstand the pressure as they have done and expose themselves to possible risk.
"A few days ago my father, who is in his mid-80s, pleaded with me to step down after one of my sons, in my absence abroad, received the latest threat against me. The threat against my life which has been referred to the gardai, is the latest in a sequence of threats and abuse, random or organised I do not know, which I and my family members have had to endure over the past few months," the statement said.
"Given the kind of vitriol at recent public meetings and indeed in some media commentary, it is hardly surprising that thugs have attached themselves to the 'cause' of the 2008 hurlers."
McCarthy was unwavering in his conviction that he took on his battle for the right reasons and remained convinced that if there had been a third vote he would not have been removed.
"I am quite confident that after two overwhelming endorsements, a third vote would not have removed me at County Board level.
"However, only my resignation, apparently, will allow the best group of Cork hurlers to take the field.
"While the latter objective is very desirable, that outcome should not be confused with the future health of Cork hurling or its direction in the coming years."
McCarthy still feels a resolution could have come if the players had entered dialogue, something he feels he was always willing to do.
He rejected criticism of the County Board and accused the players of "dishonouring" the Cork jersey by using it was a weapon and a threat.
He again suggested that the players' stance was indicative of a pay-for-play agenda that he feels is coming down the tracks.
Among those tipped to make the shortlist to replace McCarthy are former managers John Allen and Bertie Og Murphy and 1990 captain Tomas Mulcahy, although it would be no surprise if the choice went beyond them with an announcement expected tomorrow.
At last night's information meeting, Cork chairman Jerry O'Sullivan declared the Mulvey arbitration document agreed upon to broker resolution last February "null and void". This document guaranteed two places on a seven-man appointments committee for the players but also bound them not go on strike again.
- Colm Keys
