Club clashes create a headache for O’Grady

EXCESSIVE demands on inter-county players is causing a huge headache for Cork senior hurling coach Donal O’Grady as he prepares for a Munster SHC semi-final meeting with Clare on June 8.

O’Grady had five players in training two weeks ago and 13 a week later due to club commitments. This week, at least four inter-county players will be involved with their clubs in divisional junior football championship back-door matches.

Contrast O’Grady’s problems with Clare’s preparations for last Sunday’s championship match with Tipperary. Banner boss Cyril Lyons had his entire panel of players in training for a month without any interruptions from the clubs.