ALL-IRELAND WINNING DUBLIN football manager Jim Gavin has confirmed that he will be without AllStar full-back Rory O’Carroll for the whole of 2016.
The Kilmacud Crokes defender played no part in Dublin’s O’Byrne Cup Round 1 draw with Wexford today and Gavin revealed afterwards that the 26-year old will spend this year in New Zealand.
Previous reports speculated that three-time All-Ireland medallist O’Carroll, who spent a period studying in France between 2010 and 2011, was heading away to travel though Gavin said that he will be working.
The reason for his departure will be academic to Dublin supporters who will recall that before O’Carroll’s emergence as a top full-back they struggled in the pivotal area.
Gavin said the bombshell news was no surprise to him and, privately, he has already begun considering his options for the vital position in front of Stephen Cluxton.
AIB All-Ireland club title winning St Vincent’s full-back Jarlath Curley was in action against Wexford and is an option there, as is Eoin Culligan who also featured in Enniscorthy and has played at number three for Dublin in the past.
The more experienced duo of Philly McMahon and Michael Fitzsimons could also vie for the position while Denis Bastick has had a stint there too.
Asked about O’Carroll’s position for 2016, Gavin confirmed that the player has decided to move away during the 2016 season and won’t be a part of the Dublin squad.
Better news is the availability of Bastick who started against Wexford and knocked back the opportunity to retire at the top as an All-Ireland medallist like fellow veteran Alan Brogan.
