James Masters Retires

11th Mar 2010

James Masters has unexpectedly retired from inter-county football. The news comes as Cork sit on top of the National League and look likely to build on last year's close run with Kerry in the All-Ireland final.

Some muck savage tries to impede Masters

According to today's Evening Echo Billy Morgan was equally surprised that at just 27, Masters has decided to pack it in.

"To be honest if I was the Cork management I would be doing everything I could to get him to change his mind because I believe that he hasn't peaked yet."

Masters has been hugely influential at full-forward for Cork over the last number of years and though not appearing as regularly under Conor Counihan as he did under fellow club man Morgan, the Nemo ace's services will be sorely missed.

James made his statement to the Cork management earlier in the week but has made no public statement as to his reasons but it is believed he will continue playing for his club with whom he won a county four-in-a-row.

His exquisite points against Kerry in last season's Munster semi-final against Kerry showed the player hadn't lost his ability to kick scores from very tight spaces and it seems strange that he could not be convinced to stay as Cork clearly need xperienced players who can pick off such difficult points under pressure.

Fans will be waiting with bated breath for a statement from James as to his intentions especially as he could potentially have at least four more years of service to give to his county.

Have your say in the James Masters Bye Bye thread in our forum

Check out these two erection-inducing screamers from the Cork legend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhbfD4011rU (2009 V Kerry)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijbmokO_wTg&NR=1 (2006 V Kerry)