Advertisement
One in One out?

Huge boost for Clare hurlers as O'Brien back in training but McInerney is Munster final doubt

There’s mixed news for the Banner County ahead of the 9 July provincial decider.

CLARE’S SENIOR HURLERS have received a massive pre-Munster senior hurling final boost with the news that corner back Oisín O’Brien is back in full training.

The Club Clare Hurling Supporters website revealed the news last night but key defender David McInerney is rated at 50-50 to make the provincial final against Cork or Waterford on 9 July.

O’Brien, from the Clonlara club, enjoyed a fine breakthrough campaign in 2016 but has been hampered by knee issues since.

Oisín O’Brien in action against Shane Bennett Oisín O'Brien (left) in action against Waterford's Shane Bennett in last year's Munster semi-final. Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

It had been feared that O’Brien would miss the rest of the season after he was injured against Tipperary in the Allianz League clash between the counties in March.

He suffered a meniscal tear before undergoing keyhole surgery but has made a quicker than expected return to fitness, and trained with the squad at their Caherlohan base last night.

O’Brien was sidelined with a cruciate strain sustained last October but returned for the League victory over Clare in February, before suffering a fresh setback in the Tipp defeat.

O’Brien is now in contention for a starting place in the Munster final but full-back David McInerney is a major concern after he suffered a hamstring injury playing for Tulla against Wolfe Tones in the Clare Cup last Saturday.

A Club Clare statement states: ”Management have rated his (McInerney’s) chances of making the Munster Final as 50/50.”

Podge Collins is also recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the semi-final victory over Limerick on 4 June, but is expected to be fit in time.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

‘We’re in that top level, pushing for an All-Ireland’ – legend McGrath on Waterford hopes

Kildare and Meath both unchanged for Leinster semi-final clash