GAA:Cork hurler Seán Óg O'hAilpín has denied reports he willingly retired from the inter-county game and insisted it was manager Denis Walsh who made the decision for him.
It was reported this morning that O hAilpín met with Walsh over the weekend and decided to call it a day with the Rebels, but the player has denied this was the case.
“I met with the Cork hurling manager, Denis Walsh, on Saturday last (16th September) where he informed me that I was not in his plans for the Cork hurling panel,” he said in a statement released by the Gaelic Players’ Association this afternoon. “I would love to continue to play for Cork, but I must respect the manager's decision in this regard.
“I will, however, keep playing with my club Na Piarsaigh.
“I would like to thank all the players who I played with over my 14-year career. I have always taken immense pride in wearing the Cork jersey and representing the county I love. I wish the Cork team the best of luck in their future endeavours.
“I would like to thank all of the Cork supporters and GAA supporters around the country for their phenomenal support throughout my career.
“I do not wish to make any further comment on this matter.”
The wing-back has been a Cork stalwart since debuting for his county in 1996 and captained the Rebel hurlers to an All-Ireland win in 2005.