Kildare concern as Flynn undecided on his 2019 availability

KILDARE could be without a number of established players, among them star forward Daniel Flynn, for part or all of 2019.

Flynn has said he has yet to finalise his plans for next season as he completes a Masters in accountancy at Maynooth University.

“I’ll be playing with the college for the next few weeks and thinking things over. “I haven’t decided either way at this point,” said the Johnstownbridge clubman, who was an All-Star football nominee this year on the back of some impressive league and championship performances, particularly in the later stages of the summer.

Kildare manager Cian O’Neill said he wasn’t in a position to confirm the availability of Flynn or any of the other players in question because his 2019 squad had not been finalised yet.

“We’re still having conversations with players and will be for the next couple of weeks when we do finalise a panel,” he said.

Wing-back Jonathan Byrne has already confirmed his departure, citing his inability to commit.

“The decision I had to make was the toughest yet,” he explained.

“With new challenges I’ll face in the coming months and goals to fulfil that will require 100pc from me, I’ve decided it’s best to step away,” added Byrne who has also played hurling for the county.

“I’d like to thank family and friends that have been there through it all without question, I’m forever thankful. To my two clubs Allenwood GFC and Coill Dubh Hurling Club, your support has been endless and mine to you will be the same. So for now it’s a farewell, but I’ll never rule out playing in the Lilywhite jersey again!!”

Niall Kelly is also expected to be missing in the earlier part of the year as the Athy forward commits to travel while Mick O’Grady is another who may take time out to travel.

On the plus side, the experienced Eoghan O’Flaherty, who stepped away two years ago, is ready to return to the squad. The 30-year-old Carbury clubman was a long-time member of the squad and his last involvement was in 2016.

Only last month, O’Neill confirmed that his two outgoing selectors – Moorefield’s Ronan Sweeney and Enda Murphy of Leixlip – would be stepping down to be replaced by Tom Cribbin of Clane and Karl O’Dwyer, son of the legendary manager Micko who is based with the St Laurence’s club.

Meanwhile, the county’s AllIreland U-20 winning manager Davy Burke has been appointed the new Sarsfields manager. Burke – who recently opted to step down from the U-20 role – replaces Paul Doyle who was in charge of the Newbridge club side this year.

Local rivals Moorefield have a more pressing matter on their mind as they turn their attention to Sunday’s Lenster club quarter-final against Portlaoise in Newbridge.