The Irish Defence Forces has said it is "surprised and disappointed" by negative comments from Kilkenny Hurler and former soldier Colin Fennelly.

The sports star said there is "no job satisfaction" in an army career and said the forces need a complete revamp.

Speaking to Off The Ball about his experience, Fennelly said Defence Force members had "nothing to do" and that his time there was marked by "absolute boredom.”

“I enjoyed it, only because I was doing so well with Kilkenny,” he said.

“There was no job satisfaction in it for me. I am sure for certain lads [there is] but in the army itself, there is nothing to do.

“You would like to see a lot more of the lads doing the trades or helping out in different ways. They could be open to so much more.

“They could be so much more help to the community. That can be done and it's not being done. It's crazy.”

“Absolute boredom"

He said his time in the forces was marked by “absolute boredom.”

“Again, from this, the top lads will probably come down and say, ‘we need to do this, we need to do that,’” he said.

“But there is actually nothing to do; a whole revamp needs to be done.”

"Surprised and disappointed"

In a statement after the interview, the Defence Forces said the army prides itself on its members' dedication and sacrifice in defence of the state.

"We are surprised and disappointed to hear these comments from a former member,” reads the statement.

“Óglaigh na hÉireann takes pride in our members who achieve at the highest levels in sport.

“However, whilst sport is an integral aspect of our culture, it is not the only aspect.

“Óglaigh na hÉireann prides itself on the dedication and sacrifice that it's men, women and their families make daily in defence of the state, assisting government agencies and working in multi-national peacekeeping missions.

“We also offer unique career opportunities and specialist training for our soldiers, sailors and aircrew who wish to develop themselves personally and professionally.”