BRIAN O’MEARA IS still in line to feature in Tipperary’s senior Munster hurling final against Waterford on July 15th despite damaging ligaments in his foot during Sunday’s semi-final victory over Cork in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
O’Meara was forced to limp off in the 55th minute of the clash when he was replaced by Shane Bourke. The 22 year-old had scored two points during his time on the pitch before suffering the injury and he ended up leaving the ground on crutches after the match. However the Tipperary management are still hoping that he will recover and they will be able call on his services for the the decider.
The Kilruane McDonagh’s player, who made his senior championship debut against Cork in 2010 and later that year was crowned man-of-the-match in the All-Ireland U21 final against Galway, has made a major impression this season and fired 1-2 in Tipperary’s opening quarter-final victory over Limerick in May. In the event of O’Meara being sidelined, Tipperary boss Declan Ryan has the luxury of several attacking options to choose from with Lar Corbett, Eoin Kelly, Bourke and Seamus Callanan all pushing hard for starting places.
Meanwhile the referees that will officiate at next Saturday’s All-Ireland SHC phase one qualifier games have been announced. Laois whistler Anthony Stapleton will take charge of the game in Wexford Park between Liam Dunne’s Wexford and Kevin Ryan’s Carlow outfit. While Johnny Ryan from Tipperary will be the man in the middle for the battle in the Gaelic Grounds between Limerick and Antrim.
