Small return 'unlikely', says Kilkenny
March 07, 2025
Dublin's John Small celebrates after scoring his team's third goal against Derry ©INPHO/Ben Brady
Ciaran Kilkenny doesn’t envisage seven-time All-Ireland SFC winner John Small lining out for Dublin this year.
Speculation has been rife in recent days that the stalwart Ballymun Kickhams defender has joined Brian Fenton, James McCarthy, Paul Mannion, Mick Fitzsimons and Jack McCaffrey in stepping away from the fold, with Fenton and McCarthy having announced their retirements at the end of last year.
"It’s unlikely that John is going to be with us this year," Kilkenny said at the launch of the 2025 Aer Lingus College Classic.
"He knows he’d be welcome to come in if he wanted, but it’s unlikely he’ll 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.”
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