Mullane to return in 'five or six weeks'

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• Paul Flynn discusses Lar Corbett's retirement, while John Mullane is on to dismiss rumours that he is to retire from inter-county hurling.

John Mullane has stressed that he is not quitting inter-county hurling and will return to the Waterford fold in “five or six weeks time.”

Mullane, a three-time All-Star, was reported to be taking an indefinite break from inter-county hurling, fueling rumours he wouldn't return.

However, the De La Salle clubman was on RTÉ’s Sport At 7 and responded emphatically when asked by Damien O’Meara to clear up the rumours: “No listen! No, no, look I sat down with the manager a few weeks ago and I basically told him that I needed five to six weeks.”

He continued: “I’ve two young girls at home and I was going into training and I just wasn’t enjoying it and I felt from my own point of view it was the best decision going forward for 2012.

"I’d continue on with the team but do a different programme, continue with the weights and I’d come back in in five or six weeks time.”

He added: “I’m basically just trying to shorten the year as much as I can for myself really because I just can’t find enough time in the day or week at the moment. It’s probably just more for myself going forward in 2012.”

In reference to the current Deise squad he said: “I still think Waterford are in with a great shout this year and I’ve no doubt I’ll be a part of it too.”