Dublin forward insists it was his decision to depart panel ahead of 2017 season

Paul Ryan chose to leave the inter-county hurling scene on his own.

Dublin hurler Paul Ryan Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

DUBLIN ATTACKER PAUL Ryan has insisted that it was his decision to leave the county senior hurling panel ahead of the 2017 season.

Manager Ger Cunningham announced his winter training panel on Monday ahead of next year with Ryan one of several well-known Dublin players not included in the 38-man provisional squad.

However Ryan tweeted today that it was his own choice not to commit to the cause for next year instead of being axed.

Contrary to what's in the papers it was my decision to opt out of the 2017 panel. I do however wish the boys the best of luck for the year
— Paul Ryan (@PaulRyan50) November 9, 2016

Paul Ryan / Twitter

Ballyboden St-Enda’s club man Ryan was a free-scoring attacker during two of Dublin’s major hurling triumphs in recent years. He hit 0-9 in the 2011 National League final victory over Kilkenny and struck 2-7 in the 2013 Leinster decider success against Galway.

In the 2016 championship, Ryan came on as a substitute in Dublin’s Leinster clashes with Wexford and Kilkenny before scoring 0-4 when starting in July’s All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Cork.

Paul Ryan and Paudie Foley Paul Ryan (right) in action in May's Leinster quarter-final against Wexford Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO