LIMERICK MANAGER JOHN Allen has revealed that both Declan Hannon and Seamus Hickey have partaken in full training over the last fortnight to be in contention for starting places on the team that will be named tonight to face Clare in Saturday evening’s All-Ireland SHC phase three qualifier.
Adare player Hannon has been hampered by a groin problem this season but came on in Limerick’s recent victory over Antrim and after firing 0-6 during that game, he has suffered no recurrence of the injury since. Hickey also received gametime in that clash in the Gaelic Grounds and also emerged unscathed. The availability of the duo is a boost to Allen’s plans with Paul Browne (knee) and Conor Allis (shoulder) both continuing to be sidelined with injuries.
“Declan is definitely over the worst of it now after what has been a tough year for him,” said Allen. “He’s on his way back and has been fully involved with us over the last few weeks. Seamus Hickey is back training as well and it’s great to have guys like that involved. We’ll be naming our side tonight and they’re in the frame. Everybody else is fully fit apart from Conor and Paul who weren’t with us for the Antrim game.”
Clare have no injury worries for the game with corner-back Conor Cooney, who suffered a thigh injury that forced him off in the first-half of last Saturday’s match against Dublin in Ennis, expected to recover after receiving treatment. But he could come under pressure to retain his place following the impressive showing of Patrick O’Connor when introduced during that game.
There is also speculation that Clonlara’s Colm Galvin, a Munster minor title winner with Clare over the past two years, will challenge strongly for a starting berth after coming on for Jonathan Clancy at half-forward last weekend. Clare will announce their side tomorrow night.