JOHN SMALL is “unlikely” to play for Dublin this year, Ciarán Kilkenny has revealed.
Small, 32, has not featured for the Sky Blues this season and Kilkenny admits it is doubtful their stalwart defender will return to the fold in 2025.
The Ballymun Kickhams man made his SFC debut in 2015, and has won seven All-Ireland titles.
He starred at centre-back as they won six crowns in a row in 2020, and he was honoured with an All-Star that season.
Small is part of an exodus from the Dublin dressing room and follows James McCarthy, Brian Fenton, Paul Mannion, Jack McCaffrey and Michael Fitzsimons out the door.
Kilkenny hailed Small’s contribution to the cause, but admits the news is a blow as they chase their first All-Ireland since 2023 this summer.
He said: “Yeah, it’s unlikely John’s going to be back with us this year, but he knows more than anything that the door is open from there, but it’s very unlikely that he’s going to be back this year.
“John, he’s an absolute powerful specimen, absolute powerhouse. He could nullify a key forward and then go up to pitch and clip a couple of scores or get a goal or make a couple of big offensive plays.
“He offers so much in terms of his attitude, his mindset and underrated foot skills, he’s got incredible foot skills and control of the ball.
“So John will be missed but look it’s a good opportunity for another player to step up.”
Pictured is 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic ambassador Ciarán Kilkenny. Tickets for the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Kansas State University and Iowa State University this August are now on sale at Ticketmaster.ie
