Advertisement
INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan Ian Fahey in action for Tipperary in last month's Munster semi-final.
Underage

Tipperary and Kerry managers sweat over the fitness of young stars

Both counties have injury concerns ahead of this year’s Munster minor football final.

LOUGHMORE-CASTLEINEY PLAYER John McGrath, younger brother of senior hurling star Noel, is the main injury worry for the Tipperary minor footballers as they bid to claim the county’s second successive Munster title in the grade next Sunday against Kerry.

McGrath, a member of last September’s All-Ireland winning side, struck 0-4 in Tipperary’s semi-final win over Cork in May and also hit 0-5 last week for the county’s minor hurlers in their Munster semi-final success against Waterford. But he is now troubled with a shoulder injury that threatens his participation in the clash in the Gaelic Grounds which commences at 12pm.

In better news for Tipperary they are able to call on the services of both Ian Fahey and Colin O’Riordan for the game. Clonmel Commercials player Fahey, a midfielder on last year’ side, could not start in the semi-final against Cork due to injury but made a notable contribution when introduced at half-time in that game when he fired over two long-range points.

JK Brackens defender O’Riordan, wing-back last year and still underage for minor for the 2013 campaign, has been sidelined with a long-term injury this year but has now recovered successfully in a major boost to David Power’s side.

Opponents Kerry, managed by former Limerick manager Mickey Ned O’Sullivan, will be pressed into at least one change in personnel. Centre-back Ronan Murphy is definitely out after breaking his hand in a club game for Beaufort while midfielder Eanna Ó Conchúir, who was part of Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne side that won the Corn Uí Mhuirí title earlier year, is also an injury doubt.

Kelly hoping for Banner breakthrough in Munster final

Munster final: Murphy making every second count