THE MAN-OF-the-match winners from Cork’s last two games are major injury concerns ahead of Sunday week’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland minor hurling final against Galway.
Cork are bidding to land the county’s first title at this level in 16 years but may have to plan without key forwards Brian Turnbull and Evan Sheehan.
Turnbull hit 0-13 in a man-of-the-match display in the recent All-Ireland semi-final success against Dublin.
Sheehan missed that game with a knee injury after striking 2-2 in the Munster final victory over Clare and claiming the man-of-the-match award.
Na Piarsaigh player Sheehan is still battling that injury while Turnbull picked up a hamstring injury in action for his club Douglas in the Cork senior hurling championship last weekend.
Fre-taker Turnbull has amassed 0-44 in this season’s minor championship while Sheehan has struck 3-5, including the last-gasp goal that rescued a draw in extra-time against Tipperary in the Munster semi-final.
“Evan has a serious injury, it’s a medial knee ligament injury and it’s a big source of concern,” admitted Cork manager Denis Ring.
“He was a loss against Dublin. He’s a great lad. Every effort will be made to have him ready for the All-Ireland final but it’s very much a race against the clock.
“Brian Turnbull picked up an injury in the club championship last weekend. You’re talking about two weeks with a hamstring injury. It’s unfortunate, it’s a race against time.
“Look from a club perspective, games have to be played too. I think other counties completely lose the run of the thing when clubs get to the final and everything gets put off and the club players get thrown around the place a little bit.
“From that perspective you can understand it but then you’re a little bit anxious when somebody picks up a knock or injury.
“Look we’ll do whatever we can and try to work as much as we can to try to ensure we get everybody back on the field of play for the All-Ireland final.”
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