Tipp chief defends Corbett as fans turn nasty on Twitter

Tipperary chairman Sean Nugent has hit out at Lar Corbett’s online detractors.

The Thurles Sarsfields forward was the subject of heavy criticism both on his Twitter and Facebook accounts following Sunday’s emphatic All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kilkenny.

Nugent, who also said the board won’t be hasty about making a decision on Declan Ryan’s future as manager, defended Corbett’s record as a player.

“Lar has given outstanding service to the county and I don’t think he deserves that kind of criticism as an amateur player.

“It’s hard to criticise anyone who’s an amateur and performing in a voluntary capacity.

“People have short memories too. A couple of years ago when we got great joy out of winning an All-Ireland final it was Lar’s performance which stood out.”

Yesterday, former Tipperary manager Babs Keating, who infamously dropped Corbett in 2007, said he wouldn’t attend another of the county’s games if the 31-year-old is still in the panel.

On Twitter yesterday, Tipperary vice-captain Pádraic Maher apologised for his team’s performance against Kilkenny.

However, Corbett’s club-mate said the criticism of certain players was over-the-top.

He typed: “Would like to apologise to Tipp supporters yesterday. In saying that, some of our players dnt deserve the treatment there [sic] getting at moment.”

With Ryan having completed his two-year term along with selectors Tommy Dunne and Michael Gleeson, speculation is mounting about his future. Nugent insisted Tipperary will be patient before making a decision on who will manage the team next season.

“We’ll meet with the outgoing management and assess thesituation and then evaluate everything. Once that’s done we’ll move on from there.

“I’m not in a position to rule anything in or anything out. Don’t expect any announcements from Tipperary for the next couple of weeks.

“We’re not going to panic. We’ll take whatever time is needed to do what we have to do.”

On RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland programme yesterday, Ryan’s former team-mate Michael Cleary described the tactic of pushing Corbett on to Tommy Walsh as “farcical”.