“It is the right decision for me at this point in time,” Goulding told The42.ie.

“The demands of the intercounty game are massive and I’m not getting as much enjoyment out of it now as I did before.

“Over the last few years, the role of a forward has changed a lot.

“I was best suited to a corner-forward position and that role got more difficult to play in over the years. That was frustrating at times.

“If you’re not enjoying it and if you’re not 100% up for the challenge of putting it in for the full season, you’re better off not being there.” Goulding won four Allianz FL medals, three Division 1 from 2010-12 inclusive and Division 2 in 2009, as well as being part of four Cork Munster SFC-winning panels. He also earned All-Ireland medals at junior (2005) and U21 (2007) levels.

The Éire Óg club man rates the 2010 victory as special, but takes other fond memories too.

“Cork hadn’t won it in 20 years and to be part of that victory with a bunch of great men was a dream come true.

“It was a special feeling to win the biggest game in your sport,” he said. “But the friendships made over the years were also a huge highlight.

“I’ve made some great friends through being involved with Cork and it’s probably the thing that I’ll miss most, the craic in the dressing-room and the great people I shared company with. Being involved in a Cork senior panel was fantastic. You’re part of an elite sporting environment which demands that you perform to the best of your ability, both on the pitch and as a person.

“There were plenty of great games but one that always stands out for me is the 2009 All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone. It was a savage match and brilliant one to win with 14 men for over half the game against a team that were the All-Ireland champions at the time.

“I’d like to wish the current panel and management all the best for 2017 and look forward to supporting the Cork football team going forward.”