Joe Brolly was the lone voice of dissent in the chorus of praise which Colm Cooper received upon announcing his retirement from inter-county football a fortnight ago.
Brolly was once a Cooper believer but reassessed his opinion of the Kerryman a number of years ago, suggesting that Cooper was not a warrior who stood up when his county needed him most.
Cooper had kept quiet regarding Brolly until this morning when he appeared to Radio One's Ryan Tubridy Show, today hosted by Marty Morrissey.
Cooper said that he has not lost any sleep due to Brolly's criticism.
I take Joe for what he is. He is a very outspoken pundit. He likes to go against the grain sometimes just to create the bait.
I certainly don’t lie awake at night thinking about what Joe is going to say about me. In the earlier part of my career he thought I was a fantastic player. In the latter years he has changed a little bit.
I played for Kerry and Dr Crokes to win medals and challenge for titles, not to satisfy Joe’s needs or what he thinks about my character.
If I let Joe get to me I don’t think I’d ever tog out. He has his views and I think he gets a kick out of winding Kerry people up as well and they always bit back a bit as well which he loves. I don’t take it too seriously.
Asked if he would shake Brolly's hand should he meet him on a stroll to Croke Park, Cooper was unsure.
I’m not too sure about that, it wouldn’t be all hugs and kisses. I respect his opinion. I don't think it's a universal opinion if I’m being honest. That’s his way of looking at things. People down in Kerry see me at club matches and playing for Kerry and how much time and effort I put into football.
They may have different views as well and I’m sure Joe would have to respect that. They see me up close and personal and what I’m like and maybe they feel I have all the characteristics and attributes that Joe speaks about.
They get a little bit annoyed and bite back which Joe certainly likes I think.
