Carlow manager Pat English admits that the absence of full back Micheal Ryan is a big loss to them.
The Barrowsiders began their NHL Division 2A campaign with a comfortable win over Wicklow last Sunday, but they have much tougher games ahead.
English is without a number of key players at the moment, but most are set to return in the coming weeks, which will help strengthen the squad.
However, Ryan has informed the management team that he is concentrating on his studies and it remains to be seen if he will return at any stage this year.
Speaking to the Carlow Nationalist, English said: "Micheal is concentrating on his studies. That's life. It's an amateur game.
"It's a pity but that is what he has to do. We wish him the best of luck in all his studies, but we still have lads here who can do a job."
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