Disappointed Kelly hopes to earn Déise recall

WATERFORD star Eoin Kelly has issued a statement on his exclusion from the Déise hurling squad, outlining his disappointment with the decision.

Kelly was dropped from the panel by new manager Michael Ryan earlier in the week but the two-time All Star has stressed that he is willing to play for the county again.

“I’m obviously very disappointed to be dropped from the inter-county squad,” Kelly said in his statement, which was issued to the Irish Examiner yesterday.

“I have been involved with Waterford senior hurlers for 10 great years. It has always been a privilege to wear the county jersey and I am proud to have contributed to our successes in that time. I respect the decision of Michael and his management team. Managers are there to manage and it is up to them to pick the players they feel will suit their plans. Some people may expect me to criticise Michael but I have no intention of doing so. The Waterford jersey is far too important for that. I was surprised he chose to discuss matters on the radio yesterday which I expected to remain between us, but that was his choice.”

This is understood to refer to a radio interview Ryan gave to local Waterford station WLR yesterday, when he outlined his reasons for omitting Kelly from the squad.

“I intend to direct all my efforts to helping my club in the coming season but I also remain available to Waterford if I am needed,” Kelly’s statement continues. “I am not turning my back on the county in any way. I understand that there are 52 players on the extended Waterford panel at present and I look forward to proving myself worthy of inclusion on that panel. I wish the Waterford players,management and backroom team the very best for the year ahead.”

Kelly, 29, holds Munster SHC medals from 2002, 2004, 2007 and 2010 and has been named as an All Star twice.