GAA: Tipperary hurling was in shock tonight with the news that Lar Corbett is to walk away from the inter-county scene. The 30-year-old informed manager Declan Ryan in person and is believed to have circulated a text message to his Tipperary teammates to make them aware of his decision.
The 2010 hurler of the year, who scored a hat-trick of goals against Kilkenny in that year’s final as Tipperary reclaimed the All-Ireland after almost a decade in the wilderness, had yet to return to training with the county this year.
In statement released late tonight, the Tipperary county board confirmed the news but stressed that Corbett would be welcomed back to the panel should he have a change of heart.
“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,” the statement explained. “Lar’s importance and value to the team is immeasurable and the door will remain open to him for a return to the panel if those work pressures ease."
It is understood that Corbett will continue to line out for his club Thurles Sarsfields but his decision to quit the Tipperary set-up will send shockwaves through the entire hurling community. He met with Ryan this evening to confirm he was calling it a day after letting his teammates know that he was unable to commit himself fully to the cause by sending a group text message.
His withdrawal comes shortly after boss Ryan cut seven players from an extended squad. Corbett now becomes the second player from last year’s squad to announce his intercounty retirement, following in the footsteps of fellow 2010 All-Ireland medallist Benny Dunne.