‘Issues’ with Cody prompt Fitzpatrick to quit Cats

KILKENNY’S three-time All Star James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick has surprisingly ended his inter-county career at the age of 26.

The Ballyhale Shamrocks man, a winner of five All-Ireland titles with the Cats, informed manager Brian Cody of his decision yesterday. Citing a lack of first-team action, Fitzpatrick relayed to Cody his intention to quit the panel before he organised his squad for 2012.

Fitzpatrick said: “I haven’t been able to nail down a place for a while, and as I don’t think I am getting any faster, it is time to go.”