Waterford's Darragh Fives ‘50-50’ to face Tipperary in Munster final

Influential Waterford defender Darragh Fives is no more than “50-50” for the Munster senior hurling final against Tipperary, according to Déise manager Derek McGrath, who will give the player as long as possible to prove his fitness.

“Being 100% honest, he’s no more than 50-50,” said McGrath last night.

“He has a torn quad muscle, going into his hip flexor. He’s obviously getting as much treatment as possible, but it’ll be a last-minute call.

“If he’s playing, we’ll name him on the Friday night, but if he’s not we won’t name him.

“It’s dodgy given his history with injuries. He doesn’t recover as quickly as the others. I’m slow to say we’d be hopeful, it’s 50-50 at best.

“The big problem is that he won’t have done anything for the four weeks since the Clare game. We’re trying to marry that with risking him. It’s a big call.”

Fives has been impressive for Waterford this year already and has given them “something different” in defence, says his manager: “He’d be a huge loss. He’s a dominant player — good in the air, he’s alternated in different roles for us this year, he’s given us something different. He’s aggressive... it’s a pity because he’s on top of his game, but we’ll give him every chance.”

Apart from Fives, Waterford have a clean bill of health, with Tommy Ryan, Stephen Bennett, and Austin Gleeson all expected to be fit.