We finished up too soon

2010 REBELS HAD PREMATURE END SAYS NOEL

- PAT NOLAN

NOEL O'LEARY believes the core of Cork's 2010 All-Ireland winning side was phased out too soon and that he carries "a regret" about how his career ended.

O'Leary retired at the age of just 31 after the 2013 Championship campaign, Conor Counihan's last as manager.

A host of other stalwarts like Graham Canty, Alan O'Connor, Paudie Kissane, Alan Quirke and Pearse O'Neill also departed during that close season.

Brian Cuthbert was appointed as Counihan's successor, serving two seasons in the role.

O'Leary said: "I would say any of the guys at that time were willing to stay on that bit longer. I suppose the incoming management were going a different direction and you've got to respect that as well.

"A lot of people were surprised at all the retirements and that we slipped away kind of quietly but certainly I feel there was enough fire in our bellies at the time.