Lee quits county panel in shock move

Date Published: 15-Jan-2009

The new Galway hurling management have received a setback ahead of their first competitive game on Sunday with the announcement that centre back John Lee has ruled himself out of the panel for the 2009 campaign.

Lee confirmed to John McIntyre and his selectors on Monday night that he would not be available for the year, as he intends to focus on his medical studies at NUI Galway.

The Liam Mellows clubman established himself as the county’s first choice centre back in 2007 and was one of the stars of the U21 side who captured that year’s All-Ireland. He was the Galway Hurling Sports Star of the Year for ’07.

Lee’s form may have dipped somewhat during Ger Loughnane’s disappointing second year in charge, but his unavailability is a bad blow given that a failure to nail down the central positions was seen as one of the serious shortcomings of the outgoing team management.

“Obviously, John’s decision to opt out of inter-county hurling for the foreseeable future is a big blow to Galway. He is under pressure with his medical studies and has important exams coming up in May. The team management encouraged him to rethink his decision, but John didn’t have a change of heart even after availing of that opportunity,” said McIntyre yesterday.

“At least…