By Shaun Casey

CAVAN will be without James Smith for the remainder of the 2023 season as the Crosserlough man has left the panel due to work commitments.

The 24-year-old started at midfield in both of Cavan’s Tailteann Cup outings against Laois and London but won’t feature for the rest of the campaign.

Smith was full forward in last year’s Tailteann Cup final, which Cavan lost to Westmeath by four-points.

“James is a good player but he’s very busy at work and getting the time to commit was a big issue for him, so I have to respect his decision on that,” said Cavan manager Mickey Graham on Smith’s exit.

“He’s a busy man, he’s busy at work and the commitment, to manage both was demanding on him and he decided the best thing was to step away because he couldn’t fully commit to finishing out the season.

“At the end of the day, James works for himself, he’s a carpenter and he’s very busy at the moment and that comes before football.”

The Breffni Blues take on Offaly this weekend in the final round of the group stages, with the winner guaranteed top spot and a place in the last eight.