Updated 11.45pm
FORMER HURLER OF the year Lar Corbett has sensationally withdrawn from the Tipperary senior hurling panel.
A county spokesperson confirmed tonight that the Thurles Sarsfields forward has told Premier manager Declan Ryan that he will not be available for the 2012 season.
The GAA say the 30-year-old has indicated he will instead concentrate on business and work commitments. The forward – who hit a famous All-Ireland final hat-trick of goals against Kilkenny in 2010 – runs a bar in Thurles.
Tipperary backroom chiefs have said they will keep ‘the door open’ for the player.
An official statement released by the county officials on Monday night read: ”The Tipperary Senior Hurling Management regrets that Lar Corbett has informed us of his withdrawal from the Tipperary Senior Hurling panel due to work and business commitments.
“Lar’s importance and value to the Tipperary Senior Hurling team is immeasurable and the door will remain open to him for a return to the panel if those work pressures ease.”
Corbett won three All-Ireland medals and three All Star awards during his career with Tipp.