Rebels would forever regret early retirement

“PERHAPS I am overstepping my remit here but, as a Cork sports person, it is impossible to ignore the shambolic state of affairs that define the current hurling dispute.

The threat of mass retirements from the playing ranks is utterly ridiculous. Many of the current panel are still in their early to mid 20s and need to recognise that there is no substitute in sport for playing.

Coaching, managing or selecting comes a very poor second. You will only appreciate this after you retire.

With several productive years left at intercounty level for a number of the Cork panel, this should be recognised before it is too late.

In modern sport, many players use visualisation techniques to help them prepare for all eventualities on the field.

Visualise this. You are 25 years of age. You are sitting in the stand in Páirc Uí Chaoimh or Semple Stadium and a Cork team is parading behind the Castlelyons or Sean Treacy pipe band. You are a spectator, powerless to affect the outcome of the game. What a waste. You will regret it for the rest of your life.

A number of the senior members of the panel, many with three all Ireland medals in their pockets, owe it to the younger players to influence them to continue their careers and affect change from within.

Those senior players have served their county well and have nothing more to prove. You have made your point. Allow those without a Celtic Cross to make theirs where it matters most — on the field of play.

Please God common sense will prevail sooner rather than later.”