GAA:Ben O'Connor, Cork's 2004 All-Ireland winning captain, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. Cork confirmed O'Connor's decision this evening with the county board paying tribute to the 33-year-old's "immense contribution" to the county.
O’Connor’s decision comes as something of a surprise considering he had started both Cork’s National Hurling League games this season. O’Connor, who’s twin brother Jerry retired at the end of last year, won three All-Ireland titles with the Rebel County, lifting the Liam MacCarthy in 2004.
"Ben has been an outstanding servant to Cork GAA, and while we are very disappointed to lose his services, we respect his decision and wish him well,” Cork manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy said of the two-time All-Star this evening.