Clancy injury major blow for Laois

LAOIS boss Mick O’Dwyer may have to plan without key midfielder Pauric Clancy for up to two months — sidelining him for most of their Leinster Championship defence.

Clancy will definitely miss the county’s opening outing on May 30 against either Longford or Carlow after damaging a thumb in an industrial accident.

Clancy, who formed a formidable centre-field pairing last season with Noel Garvan, has already undergone an operation, and O’Dwyer fears that he may be missing for longer than first expected.