Enright to play through pain barrier in Tipp final

EDDIE Enright is expected to play through the pain barrier for Thurles Sarsfields in Sunday’s Tipperary SHC final clash against Mullinahone in Thurles.

However, Enright’s brother, Johnny, will be forced to miss the final because of a dislocated shoulder.

A Tipperary midfield player, Eddie fractured a finger in the first half of last Sunday’s semi-final victory over Loughmore/Castleiney but after strapping the injury, played on superbly.

Thurles manager Paddy Doyle said yesterday he expected Enright to line out on Sunday.

“This is a huge game for us and

nobody wants to miss out, least of all Eddie. It is unfortunate enough that we have already lost the services of Johnny, but to lose the two of them would be disastrous for us,” Doyle said.

Senior intercounty player Lar Corbett was hampered by a “dead leg” in last weekend’s semi-final, but after

intensive physiotherapy, is expected to play.

Mullinahone, with player/coach John Leahy having recovered from knee trouble, and going for their first title, report no injury problems.

With 28 championship wins, including two five-in-a-row feats (1955-1959 and 1961-1965), Thurles Sarsfields are the most honour-laden club in Tipperary. But they have failed to win the championship since 1974 and will be contesting their third final in succession on Sunday.

“Although we lost the final in 1979 there was no great panic. However, there has been a lot of head-scratching since at how the well has dried up for such a famous club as ours,” Doyle said.

In the past two finals, Thurles Sarsfields has lost to Toomevara.

Meanwhile, Clarecastle will be without captain Ken Ralph for Sunday’s Clare hurling decider against Sixmilebridge in Ennis, and there is doubt over centre-forward Eric Flynn.

Ralph, a native of Tipperary, missed the opening rounds of the championship because of illness and is serving a three-month suspension term after being sent off in the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland sevens final, where Clarecastle lost to Mullinahone.

Flynn damaged shoulder ligaments in the semi-final victory over St Joseph’s/Doora Barefield and is undergoing intensive physiotherapy.

Sunday’s final showdown will be special for Sixmilebridge’s centre-back John Chaplin. When the teams met in 1984, Chaplin, 16, was as a substitute and won his first county medal. He has figured in all of his club’s major successes since then, including their All-Ireland triumph in 1996.