Former All Star nominee James Kavanagh has quit the Kildare squad.

The Kildare GAA website - kildaregaa.ie - reports that Kavanagh has quit the panel for 'personal reasons'.

Kavanagh will therefore be a notable absentee when the Lilywhites get their competitive season underway this Sunday against Carlow IT in the O'Byrne Cup at Newbridge.

Newcomers James Eaton, Cathal McNally, Conor Mellett and Willie Groome will all be hoping to get an opportunity to impress manager Kieran McGeeney.

It will also provide new selectors Damien Hendy and Jason Ryan with the opportunity to work with the players for the first time in a competitive setting.

Gary White and Alan Smith recently returned to the panel following their involvement with Sarsfields in the Leinster Club SFC.

Dermot Earley continues his recovery from a knee injury. Tweet

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