Jonny Cooper fully at ease with decision to end Dublin career

It's just over six weeks since Jonny Cooper called time on his inter-county career with Dublin. In his 11 years wearing the navy and blue, Cooper won seven All-Ireland senior titles and was twice selected as an All Star. He also captained his county.

A dual player at the underage grades, Cooper won a Leinster minor hurling title with Dublin in 2007 before concentrating on football at senior level.

He captained the Dublin Under-21s to All-Ireland glory in 2010 but was outside the fold when the seniors captured a long-awaited senior title in 2011 and was only a peripheral presence in the 2012 campaign.

Jim Gavin's ascension to the post of senior manager catapulted Cooper into the starting XV.

As a student in DCU, Cooper was twice on Sigerson Cup winning teams and ahead of this year's final on Wednesday between UL and UCC, he spoke to the media about a career that has had many ups and a few downs.

On his decision to end his Dublin tenure at the age of 33, Cooper seems very much at ease with his call.

"No, no regrets, zero regret," he said.

"It was the right decision for a few different reasons. Definitely nothing there, it's more just you're doing something for 11 years or whatever it might be, so there's certain norms there and certain connections - and look, my relationship and connection and friendship with all of them outlives wearing a blue jersey, so that stand is just different.

"It's not what I'm used to this time of the year. But absolutely, no regrets for me and the right decision for me and right decision for the team if I'm being honest about it."

When asked whether or not there was a particular moment that prompted his decision to walk away, Cooper highlighted a level of effort that he could no longer reach.

He