Tipp hurlers rally around team-mate as he buries brother

Members of the Tipperary hurling team yesterday took time away from preparing for tomorrow’s All-Ireland semi-final to support their team-mate John O’Brien as he buried his older brother who died during the week.

Thomas “Tommy” O’Brien passed away suddenly on Tuesday at the age of 43 and a large crowd turned out in his native Toomevara in north Co Tipperary yesterday for his funeral Mass and burial.

All-Ireland winner John has been named by manager Declan Ryan in the Tipperary team for their semi-final clash against Kilkenny and will line out in Croke Park just two days after burying his brother.