Kerry manager Jack O'Connor has admitted that Mike McCarthy is 'unlikely' to return to the fold this year.

The Kilcummin clubman came out of retirement midway through last year's championship to play a starring role in the Kingdom's All-Ireland success, but speaking after yesterday's NFL win over Derry in Tralee, O'Connor indicated that he wouldn't be returning.

"You can never say never with Mike. He was not coming back last year either but we managed to convince him. He has other commitments now outside of football and they are important as well."

The loss of McCarthy would be another huge blow to the All-Ireland champions who have already lost Darragh O Se and Diarmuid Murphy through retirement, while Tadhg Kennelly and Tommy Walsh have relocated to Australia. Tweet

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