In August 2013, Ciaran Sheehan lined out for an All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin, for what would be his final game in the red jersey.
Later that autumn, the forward announced that he was setting sail for Australia as the latest GAA recruit to ply their trade in the professional game Down Under.
Since losing by five points to Dublin in Croke Park, Cork have failed to win a Munster title and only made the last-eight of the championship on one occasion - in 2014.
Correlating that downturn with Sheehan's absence would be a preposterous jump to conclusions, but his absence certainly didn't help.
Now, however, the 28-year-old is coming home.
And the journey continues...After 5 and a half amazing years in Melbourne the time to move back home to Cork has come. Looking forward to the next chapter, see you in September Ireland #melbourne #brunswick #thebigswitch #cork pic.twitter.com/4spuorXqkB
— Ciaran Sheehan (@Gussyman90) May 11, 2019
After five years in Melbourne, the Cork man appears poised to make a comeback to the round-ball game. And considering the Cork footballers were relegated to Division Three in the spring, the services of an All-Ireland champion from 2010 are sure to be welcomed.
After a number of injuries, Sheehan was dropped from the Carlton Blues in 2017 but has remained in the city with his partner.
Yet, he has never ruled out a return to Leeside where he is sure to be welcomed with open arms, given the struggles of the county's footballers since his departure.
While a return wasn't on the cards last year, Sheehan told the42.ie that he was open to the idea of coming home to play for Cork at some stage.
I wouldn’t be ruling out anything GAA wise down the road. I’m just going to see how this year goes in 2018 on and off the pitch. Then we’ll see after that and figure out what we’re going to do.
Unfortunately for impatient Cork fans, he isn't returning until September, though a few cameos in the Éire Óg could yet come to pass. Promising times for Cork football.
