Ronan McCarthy: Ciarán Sheehan return was never really a runner

Cork football coach Ronan McCarthy says there was never any likelihood of Ciarán Sheehan returning to the Rebels fold for the coming season.

Sheehan, an All-Ireland medal winner in 2010, has not had his contract with AFL side Carlton renewed and was at home in Farran for Christmas, leading to speculation he might don the red jersey again.

However, it was revealed yesterday that he is to return to Melbourne, most likely to take up a role with the AFL Players’ Association while playing for Avondale Heights in the Essendon District Football League.