McGee brought in as intermediary

Crisis in Offaly footballAn emergency meeting of the Offaly County Board last night appointed Eugene McGee as a mediator between players and officials, in an attempt to resolve the senior football panel's strike action.

The footballers yesterday released a 17-point list of grievances, after what had initially been a show of support for the recently resigned management team of Gerry Fahy, Mark Plunkett and Matt Connor reached crisis point.

McGee, the Offaly football manager when they last won the All-Ireland title in 1982, and currently a journalist with the Irish Independent, is highly respected in the county and it's hoped his involvement will bring a solution. Yet, for this to occur, the players are demanding a significant shake-up within Offaly GAA structures.

"We are extremely anxious to resolve the impasse which has arisen, but this cannot be done without a major change of approach and attitude by the county board," read the players' statement. "It's clear that unless some drastic action is taken at county board level, it will not be easy to find a resolution to this unfortunate situation. We cannot envisage ourselves returning under the conditions we have had to endure."

Fahy's resignation on Monday not only sparked a strike but opened a can of worms about how the board officials have treated football panels right through from underage to senior level.

Fahy and his selectors felt their position was untenable after the clubs ratified them for another year by just a single vote. The lack of support was a valid reason in itself to step down, but there were further obstacles. It became apparent that support would not be forthcoming when the delegate who proposed Fahy for removal was subsequently named on the football review committee.

"It was with greatest regret that we reached the decision to withdraw our services as Offaly county footballers," continued the players' statement.

"However, we felt that we were left with no alternative following the manner in which we, the squad, and our management team of Gerry Fahy, Matt Connor and Mark Plunkett were treated this year.

"Our aim is to win an All-Ireland title with Offaly, but to have any chance of achieving that the management and players need the full support of the county board."

In recent years counties which have aspired to win the provincial championship and ultimately an All-Ireland have brought their preparations up to professional standards.

They have also had the right manager in place; Paul O'Kelly was removed after just one year in charge and Fahy followed suit this year.

Last night's developments open the door for Fahy and his selectors to return.

What really sits poorly with Offaly players is seeing the progress made by their neighbours Westmeath and Laois in the last two years under Mick O'Dwyer and Páidí Ó Sé. It has not just been the recruitment of a high-profile manager, but the solid relationship between the county board and inter-county panels.

The lack of a permanent training base, essential facilities and resources were among the main complaints. The players were forced to tog out in a car park during a training weekend in Limerick this year. Also, a player was refused medical reimbursement after he failed to return his jersey. In fact, the whole team was told they couldn't exchange jerseys on the week of their first championship match against Westmeath.

The panel also complained about a lack of essential resources, such as a permanent physio, correct gear and facilities.

Other gripes centred around alleged broken promises.

The senior hurling panel has yet to pledge their support to their football counterparts, but they are expected to meet in the coming days if a reasonable conclusion is not reached.

If they were to row in behind the footballers, a situation similar to the Cork players' strike of two years ago would become apparent.

The players stressed they wished to avoid the public spotlight but felt they had little other option.

However, the county board stressed that their next meeting will be held in camera as McGee attempts to find a resolution.