Carlow dealt big blow as star midfielder Jordan Morrissey steps away

Jordan Morrissey moved to America last week.

Carlow's Jordan Morrissey. Picture: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Carlow will be without star midfielder Jordan Morrissey for the rest of the 2024 season after the Éire Óg club man moved to America last week.

Morrissey kicked two points as captain in the Carlow SFC final last October to help his club to their 31st senior title and has been an integral part of Niall Carew’s side in recent years. His last game was the second-last round of the Allianz League when he scored 0-2 in a defeat to Longford.

In 2020, he won a Sigerson Cup with DCU. 

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Morrissey explained he was approved for a year-long Visa and it was an opportunity he had been eager to take.

“I moved out here with my partner,” Morrissey said. 

“We got here a couple of days ago. It is still very fresh. During college we both wanted to go on a J1 and Covid stopped that two years running. In my Masters, I would have liked to go at the end of that year, but it was a 12-month programme, so I had to do a research project during the summer.

Éire Óg captain Jordan Morrissey celebrates after the 2023 Carlow SFC final victory over Tinryland. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

“It is becoming popular. A lot of our friend group have moved on to Australia and further afield. We visited New York last April for a few days and loved it really. It was hectic for living in. A big city, hustle-and-bustle. We wanted something scaled back and Boston offered that. It has a big Irish community to give that comfort blanket.

“It was the perfect opportunity to take the leap and see what the world has to offer.” 

Carlow take on Wexford this Sunday in the opening round of the Leinster SFC championship.

“I’ll be eagerly watching Carlow’s championship games and the Tailteann Cup if that is what materialises,” said Morrissey. 

“I’m only out of the panel a couple of days so still in regular contact with all the boys and the management team. I wish them well for the remainder of the year. Likewise with the club.

“I’m not sure what the future holds but I’m sure I’ll be back there in due course.”