Dessie Farrell confirms Davy Byrne to opt out of 2024

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell has confirmed Davy Byrne will not be part of his squad for 2024, with the eight-time All-Ireland SFC winner taking a year out to go travelling.

The 29-year-old defender started last summer's All-Ireland final against Kerry, which the Dubs won by two points, but he will be absent for their title defence this year.

Ryan Basquel has retired, but question marks remain over the returns of Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy and Michael Fitzsimons, who would all be chasing an incredible tenth Sam Maguire success if they decide to commit.

Farrell stressed he will give his senior men as much time as possible before they make any decision.

"The senior lads are operating to a different schedule," he told DubsTV in the wake of Saturday's 0-11 to 0-10 O'Byrne Cup defeat of Offaly.

"Obviously we've been back training a couple of weeks now, there's still some bodies, some of the more senior lads to make decision and we're going to give them that space. Typically they wouldn't be used in the early rounds of the league anyway because they've a lot of mileage on the clock at this stage, so managing their load and having them right for the right time of the season is going to be important.

"We do know Davy Byrne won't be available this season, he's gone travelling and that's been on the cards for a while. Davy is taking a year out.

"Ryan Basquel has decided to hang up the boots as well. Ryan has been invovled with the panel for the last number of years and a great servant to Dublin football. A hugely committed character who'll be a big loss to this squad.

"Outside of that we've still a couple of weeks to see how the cards fall for some of the senior guys. We just want to give them the time that we feel they deserve, get