Cian O'Neill's Kildare look set to compete in 2019 without their All-Star nominee Daniel Flynn as the Maynooth University student is reported to be taking a year out to focus on his masters and travelling.
O'Neill announced a 39-man panel for the upcoming O'Bryne Cup and Flynn was a noticeable absentee. The Johnstownbridge clubman confirmed last month that he was undecided about playing. Both Flynn and Niall Kelly were not included on the squad, although Kelly may return after a period spent travelling.
Cian O'Neill has confirmed that Daniel Flynn will not be involved with the Kildare panel in 2019. Eanna O'Connor will not be involved for an extended period to rehab an injury, while Niall Kelly will be travelling for the next 3months. Johnny Byrne and Ruadhan O'Goillain also out
— Patrick Ward (@patrickward93) December 2, 2018
There is some good news for the Lilywhites with talented U20 star Jimmy Hyland making the step up while Ben McCormack, who impressed in the league last year before leaving the panel due to work commitments, returns to the squad.
It has also been confirmed that former Kilkenny hurling star Michael Fennelly will join O'Neill's backroom team. Fennelly is a lecturer at Limerick Institute in Sports Science. He will replace former strength and conditioning coach Jason McGahan who left to join Kerry as their first full-time head of athletic development.
