Cunningham: Big decision for Seán Óg

Cork selector Ger Cunningham yesterday praised Seán Óg Ó hAilpín’s contribution to the county side in 2012 but is unsure if the former All-Ireland-winning captain will return in 2013.

Ó hAilpín admitted on Tuesday night that he will make a decision on his future in the coming weeks and Cunningham admitted that retiring from inter-county is one of the toughest calls any player must make.

He explained: “It’s a very personal decision. It’s a big commitment but it’s hard to leave. Leaving the inter-county scene is difficult when it’s been part of your life such a long time. He’ll reflect and make whatever decision he wishes.”

But the former Cork goalkeeping star was hugely impressed by Ó hAilpín’s actions off the field, as much as inside the white lines.

“I couldn’t praise him highly enough for his contribution in the dressing room,” said Cunningham at the Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 final launch in Thurles yesterday. “What he brings to the dressing room for the younger guys and the level of work he does to get himself ready to play (is incredible).”

Most impressive of all though was how the Na Piarsaigh man bounced back from his demotion from the starting side and played himself back onto the championship team.

“You could say he had a mixed enough year. He played all the league matches, didn’t make the earlier championship matches and came back in. He played against Waterford and Galway at the end of the year and did very well. It’s probably the first time in his career where he found himself in a position he was on some days and off other days.

“That’s something he’s got to consider but from a conditioning point of view he’s in fantastic shape. He continued on and played very well with his club after Cork were knocked out.”

Big question though, will he be welcomed back? “We (management) haven’t met as a group. I think people are just reflecting, it’s been a long year, with what’s been involved.”