Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan has hit out at pathetic “fools” who circulated false rumours about the Cork hurlers following their All-Ireland final defeat by Tipperary.
Retired Cork star Patrick Horgan had expressed disappointment that the county board didn’t move directly after the final to quash the rumours. However, O’Donovan noted the decision to ignore the speculation was informed by the lack of coverage the fanciful tales received in the media.
In his report to Cork GAA’s 2025 Convention, O’Donovan writes: “In regard to the preposterous rumours that circulated post All-Ireland, it said far more about the modern Irish male and his pathetic attachment to his mobile device than it did about the Board’s reluctance to fuel such rumours with any potential denials.
“Indeed, the rumours were treated with similar scepticism by media. Had they been a matter of public record, we would have responded in turn.
“The fools that originate and spread such tales of fancy require oxygen to propagate their myths and we do not intend to give them much here. We privately addressed the matter at the subsequent County Committee meeting, briefing all clubs of the non-story which was the reality.”
O’Donovan noted it is becoming a far too regular occurrence that falsehoods are being spread about players.
“Sadly, we are regularly interrupted with the latest tales of the loves, lives and quarrels of current and former players. Little heed is paid, other than to pity the trolls and their idle hours. Given the speed of action by our officers in the odd moment when a county player does actually find themselves in difficult situations off the field, we rest easy, knowing that our actions, albeit necessarily silently, speak for themselves.”
Cork GAA Convention Report 2025
O’Donovan also stressed that the decision not to proceed with a homecoming for the losing Cork side was made months in advance of the final, though he accepted the release issued the morning after the game could have been worded more appropriately.
“Months in advance of the final, we sought to avoid the burden of our players facing a second losing homecoming. Having noted the sparse crowds at the 2024 iteration and the torturous demands placed on the players.
“While the statement issued on the Monday morning was approved by both us and the team manager, it did not capture adequately the reasons behind the decision made.”
Having paid tribute to Tipperary and “irrepressible” manager Liam Cahill for “a perfectly executed ambush in plain sight” on final day, O’Donovan hailed the efforts of departed Cork boss Pat Ryan for his term in charge.
“The style of play, resolute commitment of all involved and feverish following in the terraces made for an explosive cocktail that entranced the masses. Pat himself, in dealing with personal adversity proved an exemplary model of humility and courage, while as all times determinedly serving the needs of his team. In doing so, he made a contribution over the period that may not be matched for some time.”
O’Donovan also paid tribute to the retiring Horgan for “a stunning contribution to the game over an 18-year stretch”
“His exploits in capturing the hearts of a county with a never-ending series of career highlights will remain undimmed in the absence of a Celtic Cross and we are delighted at his immediate return to the sidelines with our underage teams. We note his comments on his recent retirement, hereby hoping for a healing period for Cork Hurling, safe in the knowledge that we acted with integrity at all times.
“Patrick’s upcoming Civic Recognition at City Hall will be a fitting opportunity for everyone to celebrate a unique sporting career.”
While accepting it was a “more prosaic” year for the county’s footballers, O’Donovan hit out at those who “can’t see behind their love of hurling” and mock the footballers’ efforts.
“We continue to admire the steady hand of manager John Cleary in completing what can be a thankless task to times. While all those with a love of Cork Football yearn for a return to top-tier status, amidst the mocking tones those who can’t see beyond their love of hurling, it is those at the coalface that we respect, as they face into another springtime of long buses journeys and off-Broadway attendances.
“In continuing to evolve his management team we are satisfied that the requisite freshness is being maintained, in parallel to the required year-to-year consistency. A battle-hardened group appear ready for battle.”