No Rory O'Carroll for Dublin in 2016
No Rory O'Carroll for Dublin in 2016
No Rory O'Carroll for Dublin in 2016
Dublin manager Jim Gavin confirmed on Sunday that All Star full-back Rory O'Carroll will not be available to the All-Ireland champions for the 2016 season.
O'Carroll, full-back on Dublin's All-Ireland winning teams of 2011, 2013 and 2015 and an All Star in 2013 and 2015, is moving to New Zealand for work.
"Rory has decided to move away during the 2016 season. He's moving to New Zealand so he won't be a part of the Dublin squad for 2016," Gavin told journalists after Dublin's O'Byrne Cup draw with Wexford on Sunday.
"But we wish him the very best. We've always said to players that it's important to get a life balance between family, their profession and their sport, which is GAA.
"He goes with the sun on his back and we look forward to the day when Rory puts back on a county jersey and a jersey with his club, Kilmacud Crokes. They'll certainly miss him as well. It's not just us."
Dublin have a wealth of options in defence but O'Carroll will be a particularly difficult man to replace, given how secure his hold of the number three jersey has been in the last five seasons.
"I think in the past it was a more pivotal position," said Gavin of the player's future absence from the edge of the square. "But the way the game is evolving, I think we've got good cover. A player like Rory you want to have around, but we've got a big squad."
Better news for Gavin is the return to Dublin training of experienced midfielder Denis Bastick, who has defied end of season predictions that he would join Alan Brogan in retirement.
"It's a very dynamic time in his life but has still committed to Dublin GAA once again," said a delighted Gavin of Bastick's return. "We are just delighted to have his experience not only on the field but off it as well. He's just got such a big presence and he's achieved so much in the game."
Bastick played the first half at midfield for an inexperienced Dublin side in their 2-6 to 0-12 draw with Wexford, and was replaced at the interval by James McCarthy.
Dean Rock, Paddy Andrews and Philly McMahon all featured for reigning O'Byrne Cup champions Dublin, who face IT Carlow at Parnell Park on Wednesday night.