GAA Talk

Cork hurling supporters and lovers of the game everywhere will be saddened by the news that Joe Deane has brought his inter-county career with Cork hurlers to an end. Although only 31, Deane feels that he wants to focus his attention on the club scene and allow younger players come through the ranks. There is certainly a lot of life left in the small speed-merchant that tortured the best defences in the country over the years. He will be missed.

The tricky forward has opted not to make himself available for selection and manager Denis Walsh broke the bad news after his side’s narrow defeat to Waterford in their Allianz NHL duel on Sunday.

After years of loyal service that saw him pick up three All-Ireland medals, the Killeagh clubman has decided to step aside and allow some of the younger players to come through.

“Joe is retired, definitely,” said Walsh after the match.

“I saw him play two club matches in the last week and he was unbelievable. He’s been a brilliant player, one of the top players of all time.

“Brian Murphy as well, he got a few dirty jobs like I did myself 20 years ago. He doesn’t feel at the minute that he’s just right fitness-wise and so on. He’s only 27, I’d be hoping he’d come back into the fray at the end of the year.”

Walsh is still trying to put together the strongest squad that he can ahead of next month’s Munster Senior Championship and has been boosted by the news that two older players are back in the mix.

“Timmy McCarthy is back,” confirmed Walsh.

“Diarmuid O’Sullivan is back playing club games and we’ll want to see what the situation is there.”