Doyle taking time to ponder Kildare future

Kildare star John Doyle is uncertain about his inter-county future.

The Allenwood attacker, an All Star in 2010, turns 37 on January 30 but is still undecided about a return to the county fold.

“I’m just going to have to see how things pan out over the next four to six weeks to see if I will have time to give the commitment needed,” said the Lilywhite legend, who became a father of three in December, when wife Siobhán gave birth to twin girls.

“He has his own family things to take care of so there’s no decision made there as to whether he’s playing,” said Kildare boss Jason Ryan, who has been in regular contact with Doyle since taking charge in October.

Doyle completed his 14th senior season in 2013 but was gutted when Kieran McGeeney was sacked as manager in September describing the decision as a ‘black day for Kildare GAA.’

New manager Ryan would welcome his return but he is happy to let Doyle decide in his own time. “Johnny Doyle is one of the most honest, hard-working, straight individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. There’s no need to do any coaxing. When the time is right for him to make a decision, he’ll make a decision,” said Ryan.

Doyle’s hectic family life has kept him out of the O’Byrne Cup campaign and even if he does return to the squad, he’s likely to miss most of the National League. His absence means that Kildare are short eight players for the beginning of the league, which gets underway on 2 February at home to Mayo.