Nine-times All-Ireland winner Michael Fitzsimons is “unlikely” to be back in the Dublin squad, according to manager Dessie Farrell.
Hot on the heels of the departures of other key personnel, Farrell admits that he is planning without the Cuala defender.
“He’s unlikely to be back with us,” Farrell said after Saturday night’s 0-20 to 0-16 defeat by Donegal in Ballybofey.
“He’s had a long, hard season with Cuala and he’s a busy man in his profession as well. Everyone knows that, so it’s very unlikely we’ll have Mick back. He’s been a brilliant servant and we’ll miss him greatly, but that seems to be the situation at the minute.”
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At the end of 2024, James McCarthy and Brian Fenton retired, while Paul Mannion and Jack McCaffrey have recently opted out.
Farrell said: “Himself and James McCarthy were senior men and two fabulous ambassadors for Dublin GAA and they led the charge. The education they have given to the rest of the players and the standards they have set have been immense.
“That’s a great opportunity for others and already you can see the new face of this Dublin team. The experience may not be there yet but hopefully, the heart and desire will be and we can work with that.”
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