Tyrrell an injury doubt for Cats' Leinster semi

Former All-Ireland winning captain Jackie Tyrrell damaged his quad muscle in yesterday's Leinster SHC opener against Offaly and is doubtful for the Cats' semi-final clash with either Dublin or Wexford.

Corner back Tyrrell was replaced by Conor Fogarty after just four minutes of the 0-26 to 4-9 victory at O'Connor Park in Tullamore.

"Jackie injured his quad early on. The next game is in two weeks so it's going to be very, very tight," admitted Kilkenny manager Brian Cody after his side qualified for the June 23 semi-final.

Cody conceded that midfielder Michael Fennelly (ankle) has 'no chance' of being fit in time for the semi-final, while star forward Henry Shefflin, whose run of 62 consecutive Championship appearances came to an end yesterday, is still some weeks away from recovering from a stress fracture in his left foot.

The loss of the influential Tyrrell left the Cats' defence slightly unsettled - despite Fogarty proving a more than able deputy - and Offaly hit the net four times with a Joe Bergin brace and a late effort from sub Dan Currams adding to Colin Egan's first-minute goal.

The leaking of four goals irked Cody who was making his return to the sideline after undergoing heart surgery in April and missing Kilkenny's last two league games.

"I wouldn't be too worried about the 'nine' bit, it's the 'four' bit I would be worried about," admitted the nine-time All-Ireland winning boss when interviewed afterwards.

"It's seldom you get the opportunity to concede four goals and score no goals yourself and still win the game, so it's not something you'd be hoping to repeat.

"Obviously, they hit us early with two goals and, you know, that puts a fair challenge in front of you. Offaly were strong throughout the field, winning ball, and playing very, very well and playing strong hurling.

“We had to respond but we responded well and went in at half-time only a point behind (2-6 to 0-11), and we started the second half very strongly. We got some good scores, good points and then got a bit of a lead up. And the game went on from there, and we came away with a decent win."

Asked about being back in the managerial hot seat on a hot Championship day in Tullamore, Cody replied: "It was grand being back on the line. There's nothing different about it.

"Just the same thing goes ahead - life is grand, very, very enjoyable. Of course you'd miss it. At this time of year, the sun shining and Championship hurling, it's a good place to be."