“It’s a tough decision to make in one way, but when it’s the right decision it’s not that hard.”
Rebels midfielder Bill Cooper has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
The 33-year-old has played for Cork since 2011, and won three Munster Senior Hurling Championship titles, in 2014, ’18 and ’19.
Last year, when Cork were in the All-Ireland final against Limerick, Cooper wasn’t available for selection due to injury, as was the case in the 2013 final.
“I told Kieran (Kingston, Cork senior manager) that I wouldn’t be available next year, I wouldn’t be in a position to give the commitment,” Cooper told the Irish Examiner.
“It’s a tough decision to make in one way, but when it’s the right decision it’s not that hard.”
The Youghal clubman said there “were some good days and some not so good days” wearing the red and white of Cork.
“A highlight would be the 2014 Munster hurling final in the old Páirc, the last game that was played there.
“The place was rocking and the result went our way as well, winning the game.
“Opponents? Playing in a central position every day you’re going out you end up marking an All-Star, so in midfield I could rattle off five or six names there and one would be as good as the next.
“These are players that you have to be on your game and well prepared, because all of them will test you. Go through any teams at intercounty level and your opponent is always going to be top class, and you have to be at your best to compete with them.”
