A dispute has arisen between Cork hurling icon Sean Og O hAilpin and new Cork manager Denis Walsh as to just how voluntary the players’ resignation was.

Walsh told the Irish Examiner that, after a meeting over the weekend, the two had agreed that O hAilpin should retire. O hAilpin disputed that version of events, sending a statement through the Gaelic Players’ Association saying that the retirement had not been voluntary, that in fact he had been told he had no place in the team this season.

While O hAilpin is likely to feature for University College Cork in their practice game against Australia’s International Rules squad on Wednesday, and he intends continue to play club hurling for Na Piarsaigh, his statement is fairly clear that he feels his intercounty hurling career is over.

“I would like to thank all of the Cork supporters and GAA supporters around the country for their phenomenal support throughout my career,” he said. “I do not wish to make any further comment on this matter. Corcaigh abú.”

Sean Og o hAilpin, for the time being at least, is an ex-Cork hurler.