O’Brien awaits fate after being sent off in club game

LIMERICK hurler Mike O’Brien faces an anxious wait ahead of the Shannonsiders Guinness Munster SHC semi-final against champions Waterford on June 1.

O’Brien was sent off in a county SFC game while playing for Ballylanders at the weekend and the length of his suspension is dependent on the referee’s report on the incident. Under the recently adopted rule change at Congress, certain offences incurred with a club would not merit suspension at intercounty level. However, if the match official cites a player for a more serious offence, then the individual would be unavailable for selection at all levels. O’Brien will discover his fate, later in the week.

Ironically, Ballylanders produced the shock of the round when defeating last year’s beaten county finalists Adare which contained O’Brien’s intercounty colleagues, Mark Foley and Conor Fitzgerald.

Stephen Lucey who broke his thumb prior to the NFL Final defeat to Westmeath, continues to a doubt for the semi-finals in both codes and did not partake in any club action over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Brian Greene continues to be Waterford’s chief injury concern for their Munster SHC semi final meeting with Limerick on June 1.

The Mount Sion club man damaged his hamstring in the first round victory against Kerry last week and was forced to withdraw midway through that game. He has been undergoing extensive treatment for the problem over the last number of days which has hampered his training.

The Clare footballers continued their prepartions for the Bank of Ireland Munster SFC semi-final with Limerick with a three point victory over Leitrim in a challenge game played at Athlone on Saturday night.

20-year-old Michael O’Dwyer who impressed against Kerry in a midweek clash at Cusack Park was in stunning form and was the Banner’s most impressive forward.

However, the Kilmurray man’s older brother Odran, who suffered concussion in a game last weekend is still unavailable for selection.

Meanwhile All-Ireland football champions Armagh will play Galway on Sunday next to mark the official re-opening of the refurbished Pearse Stadium. The NHL and All-Ireland hurling champions Kilkenny will also play the Corribsiders on the day.

There is a full round of League games down for decision in Kilkenny next weekend, as the Cats prepare for their Guinness Leinster SHC semi-final against either Dublin or Laois.

Philly Larkin will be available for selection next weekend despite being sent off during the meeting of James Stephens and Fenians yesterday. Larkin received two yellow cards and will face no further disciplinary action.