Reale quits Limerick in protest at player cull

FORMER Limerick hurling captain Damien Reale last night confirmed his decision to quit intercounty hurling claiming he had “to stand up for what I felt was right”.

Reale’s shock decision follows the decision of manager Justin McCarthy to cut 12 players from his 2010 squad including high-profile names as Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Niall Moran, Stephen Lucey, Mike O’Brien, Donie Ryan and Mark O’Riordan, all of whom played championship this season.

Reale has slammed the failure of management to address the problems which dogged their 2009 season and has also criticised the manner in which the axed players were accused of lacking commitment. The 28-year-old admitted it was “the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make”.