Donal Og Cusack has slammed Tipperary GAA's statement when announcing the departure of hurling boss Colm Bonnar.
Tipperary confirmed earlier this week that Bonnar had been 'relieved of his duties' just one year into a three-year term.
It was the wording of the statement, though, that has bristled with many, including former Cork goalkeeper Cusack.
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“It was a brutal statement, it has to be said," he said ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final.
"If you were trying to word something as bad as possible - 'relieved of your duties' - you'd say something [like that] if the guy was a professional.
“I’ve no doubt, similar to Cork, they are absolute amateurs, whoever sat down to write that statement.
"They [Bonnar] are volunteers. To come out and say they are ‘relieved of their duties’...it is brutal.”
Anthony Daly shared Cusack's view that Bonnar was harshly treated by the Premier County.
Daly said: "You are told you are these for three years. You lose the likes of Brendan [Maher], Paudie [Maher]. You don't have Seamie [Callanan] fit, John McGrath, and 'Bubbles' [John O'Dwyer] wasn't on the scene.
"For various reasons he had a hard job. He gave it a fair rattle at the job and would be entitled to at least a second year. I think it's a tough break for him."
Bonnar himself has expressed his deep-felt disappointment at the decision of the county board.
“I am extremely disappointed with the decision of the executive committee of Tipperary GAA regarding my position as Tipperary senior hurling manager,” Bonnar said in a statement to tipperarylive.ie.
“The terms of reference I was given for my three-year term was stated clearly by the executive committee at the Tipperary convention in December 2021, where it was stated that Tipperary were entering a transition and a rebuilding period. The manager will need time to add new players to the panel and patience was urged for this rebuild.
“I presented a detailed presentation to the 15-person executive Wednesday evening, this encompassed my review of 2022 and my plans for 2023. I have since been informed by the county board that I am no longer in the position of Tipperary senior hurling manager for the coming years.
“I am an honourable and a very committed Tipperary man, with an experienced management career, who has always giving my heart and soul to Tipperary hurling, both as a player and manager. I took on this task in good faith.
“Tipperary hurling will always be in my heart and I wish all involved the best of luck as I again become a passionate supporter of our great county team.”
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