Ciaran Byrne Biography

Ciaran Byrne retires from AFL football.

"This decision hasn't been made lightly, it's something that's been on my mind for a while but ultimately I feel the time is right for me to go back home," Byrne said.

"The Club has been incredibly supportive, managing the best interests of both myself and my family and for that I will always be incredibly thankful and grateful. I will miss the Club, my teammates and coaches and will always be a Carlton person.

"I wish the boys the very best for next season and beyond."

Ciaran Byrne says he is still weighing up whether he returns to Carlton this November, or cuts short his AFL career to remain in his native Ireland.

"I've another year left on my contract, but I'm going through a process and weighing up my options over whether AFL is still completely for me," Byrne said.

"I've loved my time out there, I've been there for five years, but I've come home at the right time now. The Mochta's are flying, there is talk of the new Louth stadium and Louth have to announce a new manager."

Ciaran Byrne signs a new deal with Carlton that will keep him at the club until the end of 2019.

"Ciaran has been meticulous with his commitment to rehab following his ACL injury last year and we are delighted that he is now back playing football. I'm sure he will be back in the senior side before too long," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

Carlton promotes Irishman Ciaran Byrne to its senior list three years after he was first drafted as an international rookie.

Byrne played 12 games and established himself across half-back in 2016 before rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in July.

The 21-year-old underwent a traditional knee reconstruction but has not been ruled out for the start of the 2017 season.

Carlton's worst fears have been realised, with confirmation defender Ciaran Byrne ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Collingwood.

Byrne was bumped by Magpie Travis Varcoe after a clearing kick from defence in the last quarter, which forced the Irishman to land awkwardly on his right leg.

Byrne punched the ground in frustration after the incident and was visibly upset as he was taken off the ground on a mobile stretcher.

Blues football manager Andrew McKay confirmed Byrne would now be sidelined for the next 12 months.

"Long-term injuries are always disappointing, particularly as Ciaran was having a really solid season so far," McKay said.

"He will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and will commence his rehabilitation process not long after that.

"Ciaran is a resilient young man and will have the club's full support throughout this process."

Carlton fears the worst for defender Ciaran Byrne after the Irishman was taken from the ground on a stretcher in the Blues' clash against Collingwood with a serious knee injury.

"I'm pretty worried about that," Blues coach Brendon Bolton said when asked if an ACL injury was likely.

"I think all our coaching team, myself and the players as well, we spend a lot of hours together and when you invest so much time and effort together it does hurt emotionally.

"But we'll support him and that's all you can do. That's the risk when you run out and play AFL footy."

The Blues have re-signed rookie Ciaran Byrne for two more seasons after the Irishman showed promise in his first two years.

"Ciaran has shown he can be a really exciting player for us and it’s a credit to him how quickly he’s picked up the game," Blues football manager Andrew McKay said.

"It was really unfortunate he suffered an injury at training the week after making his debut, but we’re looking forward to seeing his development next year with another full pre-season under his belt."

Ciaran Byrne makes his AFL debut for Carlton at the MCG with 9 disposals (5 kicks and 4 handballs), a mark and a tackle in a 21-point loss to Essendon.