Towards the end of 1888, a serious split in the Association in Cork lead to the existence of three rival and distinct county boards. 40 clubs left the official board and affiliated to the Cork Board, under the presidency of Fr. O'Connor, and the O'Brien Board under the presidency of Fr. Carver. These three boards ran their own separate championships over the following two seasons, however, the Cork County Board remained as the official administrative branch of the GAA. In 1890, Aghabullogue, as official county champions, became the first Cork representatives to win the All-Ireland Championship. The three individual boards unified under the banner of the Cork County Board in 1891, with the championship continuing to be run on a divisional basis. There was such intense interest in the championship that year amongst the general public that it was reported in "The Nation" newspaper that the attendance of 16,000 at the Blackrock-St. Finbarr's game set a new attendance record for a hurling game in the whole of Ireland. The championship reverted to a straight knock-out format in 1892. 14 teams from 10 clubs entered, with the first and second teams being separated in the draw.