Clare defenders John Conlon and David McInerney are understood to be winning their battles to be fit for Sunday’s All Ireland senior hurling championship semi-final against Kilkenny at Croke Park.
Centreback Conlon had to retire during the quarter-final win over Dublin.
The news is not believed to be as good in terms of full-back Conor Cleary, who is unlikely to feature because of a shoulder problem.
For Kilkenny, Derek Lyng and co will be sweating over the availability of former captain Adrien Mullen. The Shamrocks man was removed from the final-round game against Wexford after suffering a nasty thumb injury. Martin Keoghan was also a forced substitution in the Leinster final against Galway after hitting the back of the onion net in the first half.
According to Independent.ie, Mikey Carey is ruled out for the rest of the campaign with an undisclosed injury after returning to play mid-way through the season. Carey was due to start the Leinster final, however, was removed from the matchday panel late on.
Meanwhile, Galway forward Jason Flynn is out of the other semi-final with Limerick on Saturday evening because of a hamstring injury.
🏆 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢 – 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐁𝐮𝐬
— JJ Kavanagh & Sons (@JJKavanaghBuses) July 4, 2023
Let @JJKavanaghBuses take you there…
📍Callan (Stepps Bar) @ 11:45hrs
📍Kilkenny (Ormonde Rd) @ 12noon
📍Paulstown (Applegreen) @ 12:20hrs
Limited Seats Available ➡️ https://t.co/nOqvH1Rsrs pic.twitter.com/hLF6pL4Yv3
Ref Watch
Cork referee Colm Lyons will take charge of the game, was the referee in last year’s semi-final between Kilkenny and Limerick
James, who sent off Richie Hogan in the 2019 final, will take charge of Galway versus Limerick.
Busy on-air
The excitement is brewing as Kilkenny gets set for another All-Ireland Semi-Final this Sunday.
Join KCLR and the Scoreline team live from Brogans Bar & Yard in Kilkenny this Friday night, for a very special preview show. In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, we’ll be looking ahead to Kilkenny versus Clare, and that all-important place in this year’s All-Ireland Final.
Will Kilkenny move one step closer to ending their eight-year drought for an All-Ireland win? Join KCLR and a host of expert guests, live in Brogans Bar & Yard for all the match predictions, insight from the Kilkenny camp, and a whole lot of fun. This Friday night from 6 to 8 pm. With thanks to Brogans Bar & Yard. Kilkenny’s Best craic, full stop!
Then this Saturday at 4 pm on KCLR, you can hear Scoreline’s full interview with Clare legend Jamesie O’Connor. The two-time All-Ireland winner gives the verdict from the Banner County ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final, looks at the important tactical battles for both management teams, and gives his take on the intercounty season so far.
It’s a super Sunday for Kilkenny sports fans this weekend and at KCLR we’ll be at the heart of all the excitement! Join KCLR, live from Rafters Gastro Pub on Friary Street in Kilkenny, for a special All Ireland Preview show this Sunday from 1 pm.
We’ll be keeping you up to date with all the action as Kilkenny face Cork from half one in The All Ireland Senior Camogie Quarter Final, as well as looking ahead to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Semi-Final, ahead of The Cats clash with Clare at 4 pm. Match analysis starts at 3.30 pm with 8-time All Ireland winner Aidan “Taggy” Fogarty.
The All Ireland preview is with thanks to MW Hire Group, Hebron Road Kilkenny, and Urlingford. For all your plant, generator, and DIY needs and Rafters Gastro Pub, the home of hot stone cooking in Kilkenny. RaftersGastroPub.ie
Listen back as Kilkenny booked their first All-Ireland SHC final since 2019 with a dominating display against Clare in Croke Park. We were there, were you?
