TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN pouring in for Cork’s 2010 All-Ireland winner Colm O’Neill, who has been forced to retire from inter-county football due to injury.
The 29-year-old, who represented Cork for the last 12 years, suffered from three cruciate ligament injuries throughout his career. He picked up another knee injury in the Munster semi-final against Tipperary earlier this year when he tore cartilage in his knee.
He recovered from that to come on as a substitute in the Munster final defeat to Kerry before suffering another setback to his knee which forced him to sit out Cork’s championship exit against Tyrone.
Speaking to The42 on Tuesday, he explained that was left with ‘no option but to retire’ from the inter-county game after receiving medical advice.
“No stone was left unturned to play for Cork but due to recent recurring problems with my knee, a decision had to be made about my future in the Cork jersey,” he said.
O’Neill came on as a substitute in that 2010 All-Ireland final triumph over Down before going on to collect an All-Star in 2012.
Teammates, opponents and others have posted tributes to the forward following his decision to step away from inter-county football.
Resilience and character are words banded around a lot to describe individuals. @crossbar13 has both in abundance and proved it every time after each set back with no fuss. What a baller🙌🏼
— Eoin Cadogan (@cads3) July 18, 2018
A pleasure to know and play with @crossbar13 An idol, inspiration and a super natural footballer. Above all a top class character. Some trophy cabinet for the injuries he had, one of the best 🙌🏼🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/SujH26QAHf
— Michael Hurley (@michaelhurley9) July 18, 2018
What a player! One of the best forwards over the last 10 years. Had the pleasure of playing with him last year. All the best on the retirement @crossbar13 https://t.co/s77be9EFMb
— Conor McHugh (@conormchugh11) July 17, 2018
One of the great finishers, particularly scoring goals of modern day football has to leave the scene. Not many went through the injuries @crossbar13 had to & kept coming back for more. An unbelievable player that will be greatly missed on the county scene. 👏
— Steven McDonnell (@StevenMcD13) July 17, 2018
Here here, congrats @crossbar13 👍
— Paul Flynn (@Flinto23) July 18, 2018
Came back 3 times from cruciate ligament injury .. All Ireland winner and All star. One of the most clinical goal scorers of our time and a wand of a left foot. Sad to hear the news @crossbar13 but injury aside you had a huge career. Top man as well. Enjoy the break👍
— Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) July 18, 2018
Best wishes to @crossbar13 of @OfficialCorkGAA on his enforced intercounty retirement.... showed fantastic courage and determination to return from injury numerous times..... and backed it up with great displays on the field too
— Tom Kenny (@tomken81) July 18, 2018
Sorry to hear @crossbar13 has had to call it a day due to injury. One of the most natural forwards to grace the game. Best wishes Colm.
— Sean O Sullivan (@SeanTheBawn) July 17, 2018
A class player.. inspiration for me & others on his bounce back from injuries.. best of luck @crossbar13
— Tom Parsons (@TomParsons_8) July 18, 2018
Such a shame to see @crossbar13 retiring at such a young age. A wonderful football player and he’ll be missed by many Cork fans. Good luck in your next adventure Colm.
— David Meyler (@DavidMeyler7) July 18, 2018
Best of luck to Colm O Neill on his retirement from inter-county football, a fantastic footballer, who gave great some displays and who
— Cork GAA (@OfficialCorkGAA) July 18, 2018
showed great courage and determination during his career to overcome three cruciate knee ligament injuries. @crossbar13 pic.twitter.com/2Q2Vyzuum0
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