Retiring Rory Jacob hits out at rift rumours

Retiring Wexford hurler Rory Jacob has fired a parting shot at a local media outlet who reported he had been axed from Liam Dunne’s panel at the end of summer.

Jacob failed to garner a starting berth in either of Wexford’s three championship outings this year, with the 31-year old yesterday announcing his retirement from the inter-county scene.

Corner-forward on the 2004 Leinster winning team, Jacob was the longest serving member of the present squad, having made his inter-county debut in 2002.

The Oulart-The Ballagh forward, in a statement released through the GPA, took umbrage with a “local media source” for claiming he was culled from the panel a month after Wexford’s championship exit to Cork.

“Recent reports from a local media source have not surprised me but they have disappointed me and caused much hurt to my family, my fellow players involved and I,” said Jacob.

“This type of situation portrays Wexford GAA in a bad light and lacks the class that should be present in all GAA circles.

“This is a situation that has happened to other players in the past and should not be acceptable to any proper Wexford hurling supporter.”

Jacob said the lack of game-time this year had been a factor in his decision to retire.

“It has been a hugely-difficult decision to come to, but I feel now is the time to finish up. I have been privileged to wear the purple and gold jersey for 14 seasons at senior level.

“This decision has not been made overnight and is not an easy one to make, but time away from home and family, the strain of training and matches on my body, the ever-increasing amount of hours needed to prepare properly and the fact that my game-time has decreased have all played a major role in my decision.

“I am really going to miss playing with Wexford. Playing at the highest level has been exciting, rewarding and challenging. I finish with some regrets, but I know that I have given it my all in every way possible and even though I don’t have much as regards silverware, I am happy in the knowledge that I always endeavoured to beat the best and be the best.”