Brian Murphy exits Cork hurling fold

The Cork hurlers must plan without long-standing defender Brian Murphy, as the Bride Rovers man has stepped down from inter-county activity.

Murphy, 33, won the Young Hurler of the Year award in his debut season back in 2004, and has two All-Ireland medals, won in 2004 and 2005.

He retired initially from intercounty hurling in March 2014 but was coaxed out of retirement last May and rejoined the Rebel side as they eventually went out to Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final.