LIMERICK GOALKEEPER NICKIE Quaid has revealed he suffered his ACL injury while playing soccer with friends.
Limerick announced a month ago that Quaid had suffered a significant knee injury, and would undergo surgery. Quaid has now revealed the provenance of the injury while speaking to Munster GAA to mark his being crowned Munster GAA player of the year for 2024.
“A thing of nothing”, said Quaid, “Going for a ball, but whatever way I landed I planted my foot and felt something go in my knee. A couple of days later I got the news I was dreading, that I had ruptured my ACL.
“I am pushing on and getting a bit older, so you don’t want these serious injuries at this time in your career. It is disappointing, I was down about it for a couple of days but there’s no point in being too down about it.
“There are six or seven lads in the squad who have gone through this so there’s no shortage of support, so that’s a motivating factor for me, to make sure I get back as strong as the lads did.
“When I am around the squad you don’t want to be moping. Everyone gets injured and it’s unfortunate its me but you just have to get on with it, contribute to the group in whatever way I can, and be as positive as I can.”
Quaid will be 36 next year, having made his senior hurling debut for Limerick in 2010. He says he is targeting a return in 2025, though acknowledged his role for the forthcoming year may be restricted to off the field.
“My sole focus now is 2025 and trying to get back physically fit and trying to be involved”, said Quaid. “If I get on the field, brilliant, otherwise I will contribute off the field as best I can, and 2026 will be another conversation and another day to look at that, that’s a long way down the line for me.”
First half, Dragons dominated the breakdown and got a few good turnovers. Now, whilst this is generally the responsibility of the pack, there were a few occassions when the ball was available but Dragons were allowed to make a mess of it because Lukey didn’t get the ball away. That is one of Jamison’s super powers – when he sees the pack are losing the breakdown, he takes the pressure away by being there early and getting the ball away quickly. Luke is probably going to lose his battle this season for the big games.
@Paul Ennis: First half was excellent entertainment, weird one, some standout performances, Connors was everywhere, Conan had a few spotlight moments, honestly articles bemoan at obvious start of term rustyness but imo Leinster looked silky throughout, RB has been written off a little (by me too) but he was solid, has a real experienced way about him now.
Top article from Murray. Gunne is very exciting to watch and looks like he will be a major challenger for the Irish shirt in a few years time. Early days of course. McGrath now getting a lot of stick from Leinster fans as well as others’ but his defence is still a point of difference and a necessary attribute in the all-important must win games against the stronger teams
I thought both half backs were poor last night. Leinster need players to take control when the internationals are away.
They might pass out Mugrath but it will few years before they pass out GP irelands most important player
@Shawn: Unfortunately GP is 32 so, realistically, won’t have many more years at the top. With McGrath being 31 Leinster, at least, need some of the young guys to come through and take the shirt(s) pretty soon. Other (young) candidates at Ireland level – Murphy and Devine at Connacht in addition to Casey, of course. (Not so confident about Doak, now)
Gunne has alot of potential , I would argue he needs to secure being a starter for Terenure first before thinking about Leinster