Byrne opts out of Kildare fold
November 05, 2018
Kildare's Johnny Byrne. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.
Kildare footballers have been dealt a blow ahead of the new season with the news that Johnny Byrne is taking an indefinite break from inter-county football.
Byrne, who featured at half back in the Lilywhites' run to the Super 8s this year, said in a statement that he had 'new challenges to face and goals to fulfil that will require 100% from me'. Intriguingly, the dual player didn't rule out the prospect of returning to the county fold in the future.
His statement read: “The time of year to knuckle down and go again has come, but the decision I had to make was the toughest yet. With new challenges I’ll face in the coming months and goals to fulfil that will require 100% from me, I’ve decided it’s best to step away from the Kildare senior football team.
“I’m grateful for my time in the Kildare jersey and to have met such exceptional people on my journey – players, managers and supporters.
“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!!”
— Johnny Byrne (@johnnybyrne8) November 4, 2018Tweet
