Seems to be conflicting reports, some that he's taking the year out due to the current circumstances and his job, others that it's a retirement.

Seems like he's not involved for certain this year and given everything that's going on is understandable, seems like a good skin away from the pitch aswel so best of luck to him whatever the truth is.

bostonredsox (Wexford) - Posts: 4368 - 27/06/2020 20:54:53    2282063

Nothing left to achieve as a footballer. He can come back next year or in 2 years if he is still wanting to.

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 7887 - 27/06/2020 21:55:19    2282066

Fair enough for him I'd say.

Family and work come first.

I would imagine he won't be the last player we hear of not playing this year.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13707 - 27/06/2020 22:02:45    2282069

It will be a very good year to give GAA a miss if you a player.

arock (Dublin) - Posts: 4896 - 27/06/2020 22:34:41    2282071

Every county in same boat here big players within missing through work/travel, dubs serious ballers coming through so won't be as felt as weaker counties missing key players.
Serious footballer jack and hopefully in next few years we will see him back flying.

He won't be only player not coming back this year, sure hasn't morgan ( tyrone keeper ) saying he doesn't want to be training as much now that he's had a life over the last few months.

Yourjoking (USA) - Posts: 704 - 27/06/2020 23:07:46    2282077

Clearly very much his own man, McCaffrey might come back again or maybe not. Regardless, Jack McCaffrey has nothing more to prove really, and will go down as one of the best halfbacks in the history of the game and one of the best footballers of the past decade for sure. A fantastic footballer and a loss to our game for sure. Not only a great footballer but an intelligent man and seems a really decent human being. Good luck to him!

Kingdomson (Kerry) - Posts: 244 - 27/06/2020 23:20:58    2282078

Fantastic footballer and a fantastic role model.A gent on and off the field.A credit to his club and county.Hope to see him back again but not against Kerry ha ha.Hope all works out for him

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 27/06/2020 23:37:37    2282079

It's virtually impossible to be a doctor and an intercounty player. The time commitment to both just prevents it. Good luck to him, he is possibly the best half back in 30 years and hopefully we will see him back in the blue and blue soon

dufferman (Down) - Posts: 156 - 28/06/2020 00:17:04    2282082

Class player and genuinely best of good luck to him, I think this current 'extended break' that has been forced upon us all may give certain players a view of reality and life without football. A few more nationwide may step away for that reason.

But back to Jack Mac , class act and when the chips were down in certain games he never shirked, lasts years drawn game I though he was outstanding. Anyways there's is no fear from a Dublin perspective, I'd imagine they have adequate cover for most positions.

Horsebox77 (Kerry) - Posts: 5491 - 28/06/2020 09:45:56    2282097

The most dynamic player in the game, simply brilliant. It was always likely that he would have to choose between career and football, I don't think anybody could question his decision if he does step away for the year. Best of luck to him whatever happens.

GeniusGerry (Kerry) - Posts: 2105 - 28/06/2020 10:26:42    2282102

Big blow for us, no point saying otherwise, its a blow to our chances this year and certainly hes key to us eating the blanket. But thats fine, Jack owes those raised on songs and stories and Dublin nothing. Hes taken a year of before and we've managed.

It will be difficult for anyone in the health services to commit this year, all flexi time is cancelled and leave is hard to come by, Jack does 6 month rotations on his scheme so hes been in Drogheda and Kilkenny already i suspect he got his next one out West, North, or in Munster that how these thing tend to go.

It already feels like a bit of a funny year and championship as it is, be interesting to see if this happens in other counties.

As for the Dubs, we might see Howard or Scully drop back to half back line and Dermo getting the half forward slot, while Dessie has blooded a few half backs this year. We have Eric who i always thought has been a bit unlucky with the lads we have at half back. We've been lucky with the emergence of Murch as a serious player, so we might just see a back line of Davey, Johnny, Fitzy, Jamsey, Small, Murch, with the Super Brians in midfeild, worse spots to be in.

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 28/06/2020 10:32:37    2282104

Hopefully he'll make a return in the next year or two when we get back to normality. Given his profession and time commitment required to that and to inter-county, something probably had to give, especially this year. He's a huge character and a huge player for this squad and hopefully we'll see him back in the future. Best of luck Jack.

Joxer (Dublin) - Posts: 4700 - 28/06/2020 10:37:41    2282105

he is the happest, most relaxed lad iv ever seen in the pre match parade on all ireland day, every year, he laughs,smiles the whole way around, he is some dude

Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 2841 - 28/06/2020 12:47:00    2282118

My favourite player outside of my own county.

Great relaxed attitude.

Hopefully will be back soon.

carlovia (None) - Posts: 1517 - 28/06/2020 13:07:21    2282120

TheUsername (Dublin) - Posts: 4445 - 28/06/2020 15:20:30    2282138

Not too many topics create general positivity and unanimous liking of an individual so I think that probably says enough.

catch22 (USA) - Posts: 2148 - 28/06/2020 15:32:14    2282140

bostonredsox (Wexford) - Posts: 4368 - 28/06/2020 15:56:23    2282142

One of the best players of his generation for sure, a class act on the field and seems pretty down to earth off it.

I doubt it's the last we'll see of him in a Dublin jersey but all the best to Jack during his break.

Htaem (Meath) - Posts: 8657 - 28/06/2020 17:08:04    2282152

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 3675 - 28/06/2020 23:48:39    2282186

Hope he returns next year one of the best ever all skill & speed no way cynical or pulling dragging of mouthing nothing like this at all loved the big day.

You only get to see players like Jack once in a lifetime truly outstanding

clooney (Clare) - Posts: 885 - 29/06/2020 10:08:57    2282206