Limerick's exiled players have issued a statement insisting that they will not be returning to the fold while Justin McCarthy remains as manager.

With James O'Brien having already crossed the divide, there were hopes that several others would follow suit. But the 24 disaffected players claim that "a deliberate and concerned effort" is being made to end their resistance.

In their statement, the 2009 squad claim: "There has been a deliberate and concerted effort by members of the county board, the team management and the backroom team to influence the thinking of club delegates and the wider Limerick public.

"There has also been a deliberate and concerted effort by members of the county board, the team management and the backroom team to influence the younger players who have pulled out of the 2010 panel, with huge pressure being put on, using one player against another in trying to persuade them to change their minds.

"At this stage we feel the need to make our position crystal clear - we will not play under the current management; despite rumours, stories and spins to the contrary, most of that coming from the county board and the current management team. There will be no more players returning to training with the current management team.

"It is now up to the club delegates to address the matter with the county board executive on Tuesday night next - the future of Limerick hurling is in their hands." Tweet

Most Read Stories