Kildare have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their Leinster SFC after Tomas O'Connor opted off the panel.

O'Connor was thought to be a pivotal member of the squad and his physical presence at the edge of the square has caused many defenders problems.

Following a disastrous league campaign which saw Kildare relegated to Division Three next year, manager Jason Ryan has faced severe criticism from within the county.

The Waterford native received the backing of the county board, but the news that an experienced player like O'Connor has left the panel, will send further shock waves through the county.

Only a few weeks back, goalkeeper Shane Connolly informed the management team that he was leaving the squad also and it seems as if all is not well in the camp.

Ryan refused to comment on O'Connor's departure when questioned by the Leinster Leader, but stressed that they were still finalising their panel for the remainder of the year.

The Kildare manager said: "We have been looking at a number of fringe players and members of the under-21 squad that narrowly lost to Dublin in the Leinster final and a decision will be made shortly."

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