Peter Lawlor has stunned the Limerick hurling management by withdrawing from the panel.
Lawlor, who was the county's only All-Star nominee last November, and who was man-of-the-match in their All-Ireland semi final defeat by Kilkenny, had not figured in Limerick's pre-season programme.
County board secretary James Hartigan was stunned by the decision and said: "We were all taken by surprise. It was Peter's own choice to opt out as he had been very much part of Joe McKenna's plans."
It is understood that Lawlor, winner of two All-Ireland under 21 medals, will continue to play with his club Croom
Limerick open their NHL campaign against Tipperary on Sunday week, with the county's also due to meet in the opening round of the championship in May.
