Boost for Tipp with O’Brien hip injury on mend

ONE day after beating Kilkenny, Tipperary hurling received another lift with the news that captain John O’Brien is a month ahead of schedule in his battle to return from injury.

The Toomevara player — named Munster Club Hurler of the Year yesterday — has been out of the game since dislocating and fracturing a hip in a car crash before Christmas.

He took his first steps without the aid of crutches yesterday and now plans to be back in training with the county panel in the next five or six weeks.