Séan Óg bows out of inter-county hurling

Cork hurling legend has reportedly called time on his inter-county career this morning

AFTER AN INTER-COUNTY career that has spanned 14 years, three All-Ireland hurling titles, six Munster medals, a trio of Allstar awards and innumerable strikes, Sean Óg Ó hAilpín’s life in a Cork jersey is over this afternoon.

The Na Piarsaigh clubman was reported to have made the decision over the weekend after a meeting with the Rebels’ senior hurling management team where manager Denis Walsh informed the Rebel legend he would not wear the blood and bandages again.

This lunchtime, Ó hAilpín issued a statement through the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), confirming the decision.

He said:

“I met with the Cork hurling manager Denis Walsh last Saturday where he informed me that I was not in his plans for the Cork hurling panel. I would love to continue to play for Cork, but I must respect the manager’s decision in this regard.”
The Rebels legend, who works as a bank official, added that he will continue to play club hurling. 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 – Corcaigh abú.”

Michael Moynihan, writing in this today’s Irish Examiner, reported:

“Cork coach Denis Walsh and his management team met with a number of Cork hurlers over the weekend with a view towards planning for the 2011 season.

Further meetings with players are expected this week, sources say. However, it appears O hAilpín’s inter-county future is already decided.

The product of a father from Fermanagh and Fijian mother – neither a hurling stronghold as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh famously said - the bank official, who first grew up in Australia, captained his county to an All-Ireland victory over Galway in 2005 before making this renowned speech in Irish: