Updated at 17.16

THE DUBLIN SENIOR hurlers have been dealt a blow with news that defender Michael Carton has left the panel.

With just three days to go until the All-Ireland qualifier against Limerick at Semple Stadium, O’Toole’s clubman Carton has decided to quit the squad according to The Irish Sun.

The experienced 30-year-old, who made his senior intercounty debut in 2003, earned an AllStar nomination in 2013 as the Dubs claimed the Leinster senior title.

However, he has been in and out of the team under new manager Ger Cunningham and was an unused substitute for last week’s victory over Laois despite an injury to Peter Kelly, with Cian O’Callaghan named at fullback.

Meanwhile, in the wake of Carton’s departure, Dublin GAA have released the following statement.

“The Dublin County Committee wish to acknowledge the exemplary commitment of Michael Carton to Dublin Hurling. The Dublin Team management would like to thank Michael for his significant contribution to the panel this year and to Dublin hurling over the years where he was a great role model for the players on and off the field. Sean Shanley, County Chairman, added that Michael has been an outstanding player for Dublin and will no doubt continue to perform at the highest level with his club O’Tooles. He said that Michael was an integral part of the evolution of Dublin Hurling over the past decade.”

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