STATEMENT: James Toher's reaction to being dropped from hurling squad

To say I was disappointed to receive a text message at 11pm on the Sunday night after we returned home from the NFL Div 2 game against Clare in Ennis dropping me from the squad would be an understatement.
After six years of total dedication to Meath hurling, both on and off the field, I was gutted to be told the news, particularly by text message.
When I was asked to tog out for the NHL Div 2B final, a lot of thoughts went through my head.

Would it be fair if I togged for the final and took another player's position?
Is it necessary for me to play?
Despite Wicklow being dangerous, we have beaten them comfortably the last couple of occasions we played them.
The NFL Div 2 game against Clare was a must-win for the Meath footballers in the fight for promotion.
It was the toughest decision I've ever had to make in sport, but I feel I made the right call and thankfully the results proved that.
It's unfortunate that the statement about being dropped was released after the game last week at all as it distracted from the importance of the hurlers win.
That hurling league has been a work-in-progress for the past six years.
The team was completely renovated under Cillian Farrell and Nick Fitzgerald, so although the past two years have seen the final push you have a core group of players that have endured the tough times before the recent glory.

I am very close to those players and was honoured to captain the team to Christy Ring Cup success last year.
The likes of Keith Keoghan, Shane Brennan, Shane McGann and Gary Kelly and a lot of other players all deserve the credit they get, and more.
A lot of things have happened behind closed doors this year that I never experienced before.
A lot of sacrifices have been made by people, not only within the squad, but by the families, friends and partners.
Players have put their careers on hold and their social lives can be non-existent at times, all with the aim of furthering Meath.
So for any player to be accused of not being committed is not only unjustified, it's highly insulting.
James Toher