PADDY STAPLETON IS Tipperary’s main injury concern ahead of the Munster senior hurling final against Waterford on Sunday week, 12 July.
The Borrisoleigh corner back went off with a groin injury in the semi-final victory over Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds.
Michael Cahill, who replaced Stapleton, is pushing hard for a start but 2014 Young Hurler of the Year Cathal Barrett is another option at corner back.
Barrett missed the Allianz League semi-final defeat to Waterford and the Limerick game with a shoulder injury but was given the all-clear to resume full training following scans on Monday.
“We have bits and pieces, I think nearly all our corner-backs aren’t one hundred per cent yet,” Tipp boss Eamon O’Shea said last night.
“Cathal is only back now, so he only played for the first time on Tuesday – we’ll have to wait and see how he gets on. It’s just coming back.
“Paddy is probably the most serious.
“He has a groin problem – I don’t know exactly because I don’t get involved in what’s wrong with them – but he’s probably the most doubtful.”
Ace forward Seamus Callanan required emergency dental treatment on the night of the Limerick game following a collision with opposition goalkeeper Barry Hennessy.
“He’s okay,” O’Shea revealed. “He played the other night (in training). It was a serious injury, but he’s fine. It took him a week to get right.”
O’Shea also spoke about his admiration for Derek McGrath’s Waterford, who remain unbeaten in League and championship this year.
“I rate Waterford very highly.
“We’ve played them twice in challenge matches, down in Clonmel and again in Dungarvan.
“They played the same way against us and we haven’t found a way around them yet.
“I met Derek last summer and I knew they were going to have a good season.”
