O’Neill opts out of Kildare panel

Kildare defender Kevin O'Neill has been excused from the Lilywhites senior football panel for the forthcoming Championship owing to personal reasons.

A statement released by the Kildare senior football management confirmed that the Moorefield clubman has opted out due to injury.

"Due to personal reasons, Kevin O'Neill has opted out of the Kildare senior football panel for the immediate future," the statement read.

"After a frustrating couple of seasons with injuries, Kevin requested a break from training following the conclusion of the National Football League. This was granted to him by the team management and his position on the panel was left open for him.

"Kevin has now decided to take a complete break from football and will not be rejoining the panel as they prepare for their opening Leinster Championship game against Louth or Longford."