Injury worries mount for Cork ahead of Waterford clash

Brendan Larkin

The most seriously injured are defenders Wayne Sherlock and Pat Mulcahy.

Sherlock pulled up with a hamstring injury during Blackrock’s SHC clash with Cork IT on Sunday. Sherlock was returning to full fitness following a groin operation.

Mulcahy is on crutches following a blow to the leg during Newtown’s championship game with Bride Rovers.

Team spokesman Joe O’Leary said the injuries are a source of concern for the selectors, with the Waterford game on the horizon.

“Mulcahy was put on crutches to take the pressure off the leg in which he has a number of stitches inserted,” O’Leary said.

“He is likely to miss training all this week and having been with his club last week, it means he will have only a week to get ready for the Waterford match which is very unsatisfactory.

O’Leary said Ronan McGregor will also be out of action for three weeks and he was gutted at the prospect of missing the All-Ireland quarter-final.

“He lasted only 30 minutes with Na Piarsaigh in their championship game against St Catherine’s. He has a long-term groin injury and has been ordered to rest for the next three weeks.

“John Browne twisted his ankle on duty with Blackrock against CIT and it couldn’t come at a worst time as we already have two defenders on the injured list.

“Neil Ronan who is back to his best form, hasn’t been able to train since his club game a fortnight ago. He has a long-term knee injury and went for a scan yesterday. Hopefully, the news is good.”

O’Leary said he was disappointed at having to play Waterford so soon after the Munster championship. “It would have made a great All-Ireland final if we were kept apart. Cork are on a hiding to nothing now. It’s winner take all from here on and quarter-finals can be notorious for shocks.”