Kerry forward Darran O'Sullivan has confirmed to RTÉ Sport that he will not be travelling to Australia with the Ireland International Rules squad.
O'Sullivan's club Mid-Kerry are due to play Dr Crokes in the Kerry SFC final on 30 October. The Kerry star was trying to get out of that game in order to feature for Ireland in the two-Test series Down Under.
Speaking to RTÉ's Robbie Irwin on Drivetime, the player said he was hopeful that some arrangement would have arisen that would have allowed him to travel - but that was not forthcoming.
"The county final could have been brought forward, or put back, but then the Munster club schedule could be disrupted. The club is important to every player, but the chance to play for your country does not come along very often.
"It's unsatisfactory that I had to make a choice and it was a difficult decision for me. You don't want to let your club down, but the chance to play for your country also has its attraction."
There had been talk over the last week that the Kerry county final could be moved to accomodate O'Sullivan playing for his club and country.
A tweet issued by O'Sullivan, prior to his RTÉ interview said: "So it's confirmed as of this morning, no Oz for me! Cheers county board and munster council ye were no help!" [sic].
Ireland will play Australia twice in the 2011 International Rules Series. The first Test is on 28 October in Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria. The second Test is on 4 November in Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast, Queensland.
