O’Sullivan out as Kerry injury worries mount for Limerick tie

DECLAN O’Sullivan is out of Kerry’s Munster SFC final clash with Limerick on Sunday week — and could miss the All-Ireland quarter-final if the Kingdom progress.

The young centre-forward dislocated a collarbone in training on Wednesday night and will be out of action for at least a month, according to Kerry coach Jack O’Connor.

The loss of the Dromid Pearses attacker is a serious blow to Kerry, who already have Seamus Moynihan (ankle), Mike McCarthy (knee) and Darragh Ó Sé (thumb) struggling to be fit for the provincial decider in the Gaelic Grounds.

O’Sullivan has proven a positive influence on Kerry’s attack this season, and has brought a new maturity to his play through the League and early stages of the Championship.

The injury occurred through an innocuous collision at training, but O’Sullivan was in sufficient pain to be removed to Tralee General Hospital immediately. Further investigation yesterday revealed he had dislocated his A/C joint, ie his collarbone.

“It is a big blow because Declan has been leading the attack brilliantly this season, but it’s done now, and we’ve got to move on without him,” O’Connor said.

Fortunately, the Kerry selectors have cover in the forward line.

Dara Ó Cinnéide, who has impressed lately in training and claimed 1-4 in a challenge against Offaly last Saturday, was likely to be chosen in any event, but not necessarily to the exclusion of John Crowley.

Paul Galvin is likely to return at wing-forward after being dropped for the Cork game last month, with Eoin Brosnan on the 40 and Liam Hassett on the other wing.

Noel Kennelly of Listowel has rejoined the panel and will provide cover around midfield and the half-forward line.

If Ó Cinnéide starts at full-forward alongside Colm Cooper, Crowley and Mike Frank Russell could be jostling for the remaining corner berth.

Mike McCarthy returned to training on Wednesday after sustaining a knee injury playing for Kilcummin in the county championship. It was his first session with the county since the Cork game, and management are hopeful he will be fit to start.

There are still concerns over Seamus Moynihan’s ankle ligament problem, but he is jogging again and looks to be winning his fitness race for Limerick.

Similarly, Darragh Ó Sé looks certain to recover in time from the thumb sprain which has hampered him lately. Ó Sé’s presence will be vital, given Limerick’s midfield strength.