McCarthy calls time on Cork career

Cork hurling manager Denis Walsh is planning for the 2010 season without experienced wing forward Timmy McCarthy, who has decided to retire from inter-county hurling.

McCarthy, now 32, won three senior All-Ireland titles with Cork - 1999, 2004 and 2005 - and also boasts All-Ireland winners' medals at intermediate, Under-21 and minor levels.

Speaking to the Evening Echo, Walsh said: "Timmy has been a fantastic servant to Cork hurling over the past 10 years or so.

"I was always a big fan of his and his style of play and he is certainly one player that owes Cork hurling nothing."

The Castlelyons farmer played three times for Cork in last year's Championship, with his final appearance coming in the Rebels' All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Galway in July.

McCarthy made his mark initially at famed Fermoy hurling nursery St. Colman's and club and county recognition followed before he came to national prominence with the Cork minors and Under-21s.

He was part of the Cork senior side that annexed the All-Ireland in 1999 and he made the number 12 jersey his own during the 2004 and 2005 All-Ireland-winning seasons.

One of his most memorable days in the red of Cork came in July 2004 when he scored 1-1 off the bench in an All-Ireland qualifier victory over Tipperary.