Mike McCarthy’s concussion setback to end his season

"He's going to effectively re-condition himself, freshen himself up to kick-start next season now."

Ireland have suffered a triple injury blow today after Sean O'Brien, Dave Kearney and Mike McCarthy were ruled out of the remainder of the RBS 6 Nations.

McCarthy will be sidelined for the rest of the season after being concussed in the 10-9 defeat by France last Saturday, O'Brien has a hamstring problem and Kearney has been struck by a shoulder complaint.