Dual problems leave Limerick in a dilemma

LIMERICK GAA chiefs will be hoping for a postponement of their opening game in the Guinness hurling qualifiers because of dual player and injury problems.

The first-round games are fixed for June 18 - the day before they meet All-Ireland SFC champions Kerry in the Munster semi-final

This game will involve Conor Fitzgerald (currently recovering from a shoulder injury) and Stephen Lucey.

The hurling selectors have problems of their own, relating to Mark Foley and Donal O’Grady. Foley will not be able to play for another few weeks, after breaking his thumb in the replay with Tipperary, while O’Grady broke a finger the same evening.

Foley’s injury is the more serious of the two and the belief is that O’Grady would be able to play on Saturday week if Limerick are forced to play.

“It was a very bad break,’’ Foley said of the injury which occurred early in the first half. “I knew it was broken when it happened. It was my left hand and I gambled on playing on. I was able to hold the hurley and do most things.’’

Meath have suffered two major injury blows in the wake of their exit from the Leinster SFC.

Daithi Regan - a surprise omission from the starting line-up against Dublin - is still in hospital in Drogheda after breaking three bones in his back following a collision. The St Michael’s player is expected to be out for the remainder of the year.

It has also been confirmed that Shane McKeigue dislocated his collarbone just minutes after appearing as a replacement on Sunday.

Darren Homan’s eye injury will not prevent the midfielder from playing in Dublin’s Leinster SFC semi-final against Wexford on June 19.

The Round Towers man suffered damage to his left cornea when shipping a tackle from Meath’s Anthony Moyles last Sunday.

Mater Hospital consultants have assured him that there is no long-term damage after the accidental clash.

“The cornea was scratched a bit but I took most of the blow at the corner of the eye where I needed to get a stitch. The vision is fine, which is the main thing and I’ll definitely be available for the Wexford game.”