DUBLIN U21 DUAL star Ciaran Kilkenny has put off the chance to go on trial with a top AFL club in favour of concentrating on breaking into the senior Dublin panels.
The 19-year-old, who is seen as one of the hottest prospects in the county, won the All-Ireland U21 title with the Dublin footballers last month and Pat Gilroy is keen to bring the Castleknock player into his set-up when he finishes his Leaving Certificate.
Carlton Blues have been monitoring his progress and, after he impressed during the AFL camp at the National Basketball Arena in February, Kilkenny was invited to travel to Melbourne over the summer and spend a trial period with them.
However, he has opted to defer the offer to focus on his career with Dublin and finish his second level education.
I want to get a taste of playing senior football and U21 hurling for Dublin. On top of that I’ve also the Leaving Cert to do and that’s not over until June 14,” Kilkenny, who won the 2012 Cadbury Hero of the Future today, told GAA.ie.
“I might go down to the country for a day or two to relax after that but then I want to focus on getting into the Dublin teams. That will be my focus.
“I would like to go to Australia for two weeks and get a taste for it after all that because think then I will be in a better position to make a decision.”
