Cork and Kilkenny fixture off

As expected, the GAA confirmed today that Sunday's National Hurling League clash between Cork and Kilkenny has been officially…

As expected, the GAA confirmed today that Sunday's National Hurling League clash between Cork and Kilkenny has been officially cancelled as a result of the ongoing players' strike in Cork.

With the dispute deepening over the last few days, and no clear resolution in sight, the very real prospect off Cork being thrown out of both the hurling and football leagues continues to loom large.

The players and county board now have until the middle of next week to reach agreement and be in a position to field sides for next weekend's scheduled NFL and NHL fixtures.

If the county are unable to participate in these matches, Croke Park's Competitions Control Committee is expected to act on its recent decision to terminate the involvement of any team that fails to fulfil two fixtures in its respective league.

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Meanwhile, GAA president Nickey Brennan today expressed his hopes that some sort of 'interim arrangement' can be agreed, despite the breakdown of talks and obvious differences that have been aired this week.

"I am imploring both parties to suspend past differences and to agree an interim arrangement or compromise which realistically will be only for a period of eight months," Brennan said this afternoon.

"I am asking you to do this in the interest of the GAA in Cork and its place, status and ongoing contribution to the Association nationally".

Brennan observed that Corks involvement in the leagues "now hangs by a thread" and confirmed a final decision on their participation will take place at a meeting of the CCCC on February 19th.