Blow for Cork as Lynch calls it quits

Cork footballer Fiachra Lynch has announced his decision to leave the inter-county panel, citing a lack of opportunities as the main reason for his departure.

The Valley Rovers clubman, who has been involved in Conor Counihan’s senior squad since he came on board in the winter of 2008 but has failed to nail down a regular spot, made his decision on Saturday and informed the management thereafter.

He said: “This year I got injured back in February and I was out for three or four weeks. But I thought that in the last few weeks I’ve been playing well and training well but I wasn’t getting any opportunities so I decided to call it a day.

“I played every championship game last year and I started (against Kerry) only because Pearse (O’Neill) and Kerrigan were injured, I wouldn’t have been playing otherwise but going from that, to not playing at all this year is hard.’’

Lynch, 24, is a qualified primary school teacher but finished work last Thursday with no guarantees of a full-time job come September.

“I’m going to Dubai for a year so that had a say in my decision as well but it was more to do with not getting a chance rather than that. I started the first two league games this year, then I got injured and I didn’t get back in after that. So I decided it wasn’t worth it. When I come back from Dubai I’ll do everything in my power to get back.

“I’m kind of torn whether I’m sad to leave. I’ll miss it alright but I’ve Valley Rovers to go back to at least. I’m not bitter about it but I wasn’t getting out of it what I wanted. I’ve been thinking about it since I applied for Dubai in March.”

He also denied suggestions there was any sort of rift with management.

“None. Conor just said thanks a million for everything for all the training and wished me the best of luck for the future.

“I’ve got loads out of it the last few years, way more good memories than bad, in fact I’ve no bad memories at all.”

Cork selector Jim Nolan said: “We’re always disappointed to see anyone leave and we’ll be sorry to see him go. He put in a huge effort since be got involved with us, he’s done very well and helped us to the All-Ireland in 2010 so he’ll be a loss to us.”