He lost his place to Anthony Nash after rupturing his Achilles tendon in a league semi-final against Tipperary last year.

Nash went on to win an All-Star award and starts 2013 on solid footing as Cork's number 1.

Cork manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy has indicated that the door is still open for the three-time All-Ireland winning goalkeeper to return at some point in the future.

But for now, Kanturk clubman Nash and Darren McCarthy from Ballymartle are the Rebels' goalkeeping options. Nash will start in goal tonight when Cork face Clare in a Waterford Crystal Cup semi-final in Sixmilebridge.

Barry-Murphy's decision to ditch the former captain has not been universally welcomed.

Cadogan, who is playing solely with the Cork footballers this year after a number of seasons as a dual player, tweeted: "Seems strange a man who does nine months recovery, five-six times a week, doesn't even get a chance to prove he's worth a place on a panel."

Seems strange a man who does 9 months recovery 5/6 times a week Dosnt even get a chance to prove he's worth a place on a panel.

— Eoin Cadogan (@cads3) February 1, 2013

There are those that feel that this is Nash's time now after his stellar performances last season.

Wexford hurler Des Mythen tweeted a response: "Because Nash is a better 'keeper, so no point having him (Cusack) number 2 when 35. #makessense"

Cusack joins Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, John Gardiner and Niall McCarthy on the list of notable absentees from the Cork hurling squad this season.

Promising midfielder Darren Sweetnam, who is part of the Ireland Under-20 rugby squad, has taken up a contract with Munster Rugby, while Damien Cahalane and Cadogan are concentrating on their football careers after giving up their dual player status.