Injuries delay Tipp minor selection

INJURIES to centre back David Kennedy, wing back John Boland and wing forward Lee Shanahan have caused a delay in the selection of the Tipperary team for Sunday’s All-Ireland minor hurling championship semi-final clash with Wexford at Croke Park.

Both Kennedy and Boland are struggling to shrug off the effects of injuries they sustained in the Munster final victory over Cork, while Shanahan received a facial injury in training this week.

Kennedy, Shanahan, Pat McCormack, Trevor Ivers and Pat Shortt were all members of the side that lost to Galway in last season’s semi-final. In fact this is the third successive minor campaign for goalkeeper and captain Pat McCormac, whose father Paddy, from the Thurles Sarsfields club, is coach to the side.

Tipp, with 2-3 from Ballingarry corner forward Ivers, looked most impressive in winning out in Munster and will pose a formidable challenge to the defeated Leinster finalists.

According to Wexford coach Robbie Jacob, a brother of former senior star Mick, his side will have their hands full in attempting to overcome what he termed a very big obstacle.

Wexford looked very good in their opening game in the Leinster championship when they fashioned a fine victory over a very highly-rated Offaly side.

However, in the Leinster final after holding their own with Kilkenny, 10-minutes into the second half they proceeded to lose their way and were comprehensively defeated.

But Wexford bounced back to defeat Antrim in the qualifiers and Jacob is hopeful that his young charges will deliver the goods again on this occasion. “We realise we are facing a very stern test but there is wonderful character in this Wexford side, and they will not die without one heck of a fight,” he said.

However, Tipperary will be cloaked in a mantle of the warmest favouritism to reach the All-Ireland final, particularly if they play with the same drive and panache that they exhibited in the provincial arena.