Blow for Laois as Fitzpatrick sidelined for opening clashes

LAOIS’S Kevin Fitzpatrick will sit out the start of the championship following his decision this week to undergo surgery on a troublesome groin injury.

The Portlaoise player, who has played in every outfield line for Laois in the last eight years has reluctantly accepted that he must have an operation on the ‘gilmore groin’ he first picked up last October.

Former Meath midfielder and surgeon Gerry McEntee will perform the operation, possibly some time this week, which means Fitzpatrick will miss the Leinster SFC game with Offaly and, should Laois win that, the semi-final against Wicklow, Kildare or Westmeath on June 19.

Fitzpatrick originally rested the injury for three weeks over Christmas in the hope that time would prove a sufficient healer, but he was still in a lot of pain and discomfort during Portlaoise’s All-Ireland semi-final and final in February and March.

He has confined himself to the sidelines ever since St Patrick’s Day, but, again, rest proved to be insufficient medicine and his absence is a major blow to Laois’ hopes of winning a second Leinster title in three years.

Six-footers of his ilk are in short supply on the Laois team. Coupled with his clever footballing brain, he was earmarked as a third midfielder, a problem area for the county in recent years.

“We had to deal with an unbelievable amount of injuries last year so we’ve learnt from that this time around,” said selector Declan O’Loughlin.

“Hopefully, Kevin will make a full recovery in six weeks and we’ll have use of his services then.”

Fitzpatrick’s team-mate Brian McDonald’s recovery from a broken leg and groin trouble continues.

Beano saw 10 minutes’ action for his club Arles-Killeen against Portlaoise in the county championship on Friday and another 10 minutes against Roscommon in a challenge match on Sunday.

But he’s a long way short of match fitness and it is unlikely to start against Offaly at the end of the month.