Curtain falls on Ó hAilpín's inter-county career

Seán Og Ó hAilpín has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, following a 14-year involvement with the Cork senior hurling panel.

In a statement issued through the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) this afternoon, the 33-year-old said he made the decision after a meeting with Cork manager Denis Walsh over the weekend.

"I met with the Cork hurling manager Denis Walsh last Saturday (October 16) where he informed me that I was not in his plans for the Cork hurling panel," Ó hAilpín said.

"I would love to continue to play for Cork, but I must respect the manager's decision in this regard."

The Rebels legend, who works as a bank official, added that he will continue to play club hurling.

"I will, however, keep playing with my club Na Piarsaigh.

"I would like to thank all the players who I played with over my 14-year career. I have always taken immense pride in wearing the Cork jersey and representing the county I love. I wish the Cork team the best of luck in their future endeavours.

"I would like to thank all of the Cork supporters and GAA supporters around the country for their phenomenal support throughout my career.

"I do not wish to make any further comment on this matter - Corcaigh abú."

The talented defender played both hurling and football for Cork, lining out for the hurlers between 1996 and 2010, while his stint with the footballers lasted between 1999 and 2001.

He won three All-Ireland SHC titles and five Munster SHC crowns, while there was also a league title and three All-Stars gained from playing the small ball code.

In football he won Munster and National League honours, while he also featured in the 2004 Ireland International Rules squad and the 2008 Ireland Shinty-Hurling Compromise Rules panel.

As a result, Ó hAilpín became the first player - and the only player to date - to play for Ireland in both hybrid games.