Club had to come first, says Gooch

Colm Cooper insistsKerry’s players didn’t snub Ireland boss Paul Earley as many believe but weresimply forced to choose club over country in this weekend’s action.

Gifted forward Cooper revealed he was interested in lining out for Ireland in the International Rulesseries on Saturday nightafter an eight-year gap since he last featured in 2005.

Back then, he was left disgusted by the heavy hits meted out by Australian players, with Wexford’s Matty Forde and Tyrone’s Philip Jordan on thereceiving end of twoparticularly reckless hits. But the four-time All-Ireland medallist admitted his opinion of the hybrid game has changed in recent years as tests have become more about skill andfootballing ability.

In fact, he said he was strongly consideringreturning this year and didn’t simply snub Earley, as many presumed.

Rather, he was forced to leave this weekend free for club duty, with Dr Crokes qualifying to face Austin Stacks in the county SFCdecider.

“Well, just speaking from my point of view, I actually spoke with Paul Earley a good few weeks ago,” said Cooper.

“I actually said to him that I was half interested and thinking about playing.

“In 2005, I didn’t enjoy it but I think it has changed since and I had a little bit more appetite for football again this year but I basically couldn’t give a commitment because of the club.

“To be fair to the club, I have been away from them for most of the year so at least when Kerry arefinished, I have to give them first commitment. That’s my viewpoint and I think it’s the same for the rest of the Kerry players.

“I think Darran [O’Sullivan] and Marc [Ó Sé] were possibly going to be involved, were invited to be involved. I now Marc played a West Kerry game last weekend and Darran had a junior final last weekend.

“It’s very hard to give the commitment, especially on the club scene where you might only get one chance to win, whether it’s a county title or whateverit is. It is just hard. I don’t think in any way was itthe Kerry guys snubbing it.”

Cooper advised anyKerry players thinking of following Tomas Ó Sé into retirement to take plenty of time out to consider their options and assured he will be back in 2014.

“I will be back anyway, I’m 30 and the body feels good,” he said. “Theappetite is there. I found playing the new position this year was a challenge I enjoyed.”