The Dublin County Board has released a statement to confirm that young Gaelic footballer Shane Carthy is receiving treatment for depression.

The 19-year-old has been part of the U21 panel this season but did not play against Cavan in the All Ireland semi-final.

The Dublin County Board has called for privacy for Carthy and his family and added that he is making progress in his battle against the illness.

In the full statement, signed by chief executive John Costello, Dublin County Board said:

"The Dublin County Board, the Dublin Senior and U21 Football management teams would like to report that senior and U21 footballer Shane Carthy is currently receiving treatment for depression.

We are satisfied that Shane is receiving all the necessary support and are happy to report that he is making progress with his illness.

We would ask all units of the media and indeed the wider GAA family to support Shane and his family on this matter and to respect their privacy.

We would directly appeal to reporters not to contact the family or family friends. Shane is a 19-year-old dealing with a serious problem and we are confident that his and his family's wishes will be respected.

We would like to thank both football management teams and panels and the Naomh Mearnóg club for their support for Shane during this difficult time.

Over the past few years the media and GAA players have been to the forefront in helping to promote positive messages about mental health and this is to be very much welcomed and supported."