NEWS: IN WHAT is now becoming an epidemic in hurling circles, the Limerick panel are the latest group to revolt against the decisions of their manager after Justin McCarthy omitted 12, many highly experienced, players from consideration ahead of 2010.

Stephen Lucey, Mark O’Riordan, Niall Moran, Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Donie Ryan and Mike O’Brien are among the players who did not receive any notice of a meeting and trial match last Wednesday, prompting county board chairman Liam Lenihan to make an apology which was printed in the Limerick Leader.

“On behalf of the county board I apologise if the players were offended in any way,” said Lenihan.

“If we caused any hurt to any player, I would say sorry.”

Former captain Damien Reale is also believed to have left the panel in protest at McCarthy’s decision to exclude so many senior players.

McCarthy left the Waterford job midway through the 2008 championship after players expressed no confidence in his methods.

Recently retired Limerick player Ollie Moran also expressed his disappointment that players were not informed of being dropped form the panel.

“I’m seething and shocked at the insinuation in there that those guys lacked commitment. To infer now that they were lacking in commitment to Limerick, that they were somehow dishonest, distracted, broke a code of discipline really rankles.

“The way they found out is annoying as well. Fellas who have given years of service to Limerick didn’t even get the courtesy of a phone call.”