. The popular nickname has historical roots in the long and often bloody struggle of the Irish - and especially in the hot-headed and short-tempered people from the south-west - against the British colonial power (until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922). Shortly afterwards County Cork became also a hotbed of rebel activity during the Irish Civil War, and ever since a bit of the old rebel spirit can be seen, heard and felt in almost everyone and everything from Cork. It is an invisible badge of honour, worn with pride and together with the county colours red and white.

The rebel spirit has also led to much success in the area of Sport, and especially in the traditional

Earlier this afternoon around a thousand people attended a march in support of the players through the streets of Cork. The march was also attended by Cork senior footballer Noel O'Leary and senior hurler John Gardiner. And tonight the Cork senior hurlers and footballers are meeting again to discuss the latest developments in their dispute with the Cork County Board.

I am not a sports pundit, and certainly no soothsayer. But it would surprise me if the Cork players would give in soon, after having stood their ground for so long. The County Board - also made up of stubborn men - can form many committees and hold talks as long as they please, but in the end there is no sport without the people playing it. So on the long run the County Board has the much weaker position in the dispute and will eventually have to give in somehow. If the officials can manage to keep their faces (and positions) remains to be seen.

The overall looser is already the spirit of the GAA, together with the good will that goes a long way. And many disappointed fans are losing out, too, of course.
To paraphrase a well-known satirical poem by Bertold Brecht: Perhaps it might be best if the County Board dissolved the sport and looked for another...