Corbett: Horses better treated than hurlers

Lar Corbett has claimed horses are treated better than the best hurling club teams in the country.

The 2010 hurler of the year, whose Thurles Sarsfields face Kilcormac-Killoughey in Portlaoise on Saturday, has criticised the timing of the All-Ireland senior semi-finals in early February.

“Every field in Ireland is nearly unplayable — they’re calling off race meetings but hurling matches? Play away,” said the Tipperary veteran.

“You have humans calling off animals but humans are saying to humans, play away! You wouldn’t put a horse out in it!”

Interestingly, Corbett’s comments were carried in a press service provided by AIB, sponsors of the All-Ireland club championships.

The 31-year-old added the game that will be played on Saturday will resemble nothing like what will be seen in the summer.

“It’s not hurling at this time of the year, (it’s) a dogfight, rough and ready. It’s down to who wants it most. 1/5 Thurles Sarsfields in the semi-final, the bookies have it wrong.

“It’s all about work-rate. In summer, the hurling might get a bit better but it’s about working in the right way and as a team. Hopefully we can perform.”

Corbett admitted his self-belief was restored when he returned to scoring form in the Munster club championship with Sarsfields after his All-Ireland SHC semi-final disappointment against Kilkenny.

“When you play a game of hurling and you don’t perform on any given day, you’re always going to question yourself and your ability. A couple of bad games together and you question are you too long there, should you make a decision on your future.

“When that happened — the All-Ireland semi-final — everyone is disappointed as an individual but collectively too. So, it was great to get the opportunity to come back with Thurles Sarsfields and perform. To forget about something that didn’t go well and drive on with a couple of good performances, I’m definitely grateful for Thurles Sarsfields.”