Ryan says it’s back to business for Tipp

TIPPERARY manager Declan Ryan and his backroom team stood firm last night in the wake of Lar Corbett’s shock decision to quit the county’s senior hurling squad.

Ryan spoke to his squad members before last night’s training session at Dr Morris Park in Thurles and assured them that everyone was ready to battle on after the shock

The squad met before their regular Tuesday night session on the pitch to discuss the fallout from Corbett’s departure.

Corbett, 30, was an immensely popular figure within the Tipp camp but Ryan, coach Tommy Dunne and selector Michael ‘Glossy’ Gleeson are anxious to draw a line under the affair.

It’s understood Corbett sustained an injury eight days ago at training and had no contact with team management until last Monday, when he visited Ryan to deliver the bombshell news.

Details have since emerged of the text message circulated by Corbett to his Premier County colleagues on Monday afternoon, which seem to suggest that reaching a decision was a painstaking process and is therefore a long-term call.

The four-time Munster SHC medallist spoke about how he cannot fully commit for the coming season.

Corbett texted: “Well lads, I’m sorry to say that I have withdrawn from the Tipp panel. I know this may come as a shock but, after careful consideration, I know that I cannot give the 100% commitment that is required.

“I did not want to give this news by text but I could not ring everyone. I hope my decision will not affect the friendships I have made over the years.

“This decision was one of the hardest yet. I do not have all of the panel members’ numbers so can you please pass on as I want you, the players, to be the first to know. I look forward to the second Sunday in September when I will be shouting on the players and the team I love. Larry.”

Yesterday, Corbett was again unavailable for comment while Tipp players, management and officials have taken a vow of silence.

TV crews descended on Thurles but Corbett, who is involved in a pub business in the town, could not be reached.

Locals were asked for their views and on RTÉ news last night, one Thurles Sarsfields fan hinted there might be more to Corbett’s departure than meets the eye.

According to the Tipp County Board, he has stepped down for business reasons but not everyone is buying that explanation.

One observer pointed out that being a member of the Tipperary senior panel has been good for Corbett in a business sense, and that walking away for work reasons does not make sense at all.