Players’ early exits sign of the times, says Déise chief

Waterford chairman Seán Michael O’Regan believes the increasing number of players stepping away from senior inter-county teams in their 20s is a sign of the times.

Although a phenomenon not exclusive to his own county, the Waterford hurlers have lost the likes of Philip Mahony (29), Brian O’Halloran (28) and Shane Bennett (23) while the footballers must plan without Shane Aherne, JJ Hutchinson, Jack Mullaney, Tadhg Ó hUllacháin, Tommy Prendergast and Shane Ryan. At the same time for the hurlers, Barry Coughlan (30) reversed his decision to retire and Jake Dillon (26) is back training following an extended break from the inter-county scene.