Fitzpatrick in fight to see league action for Cats

JAMES ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick is facing a race against time to play any part in Kilkenny’s remaining divisional games in the National Hurling League.

Fitzpatrick missed the loss to Waterford, and last Sunday’s win over Tipperary, and he will also be an absentee for the Cats’ top-v-bottom clash with Clare at Ennis on Sunday.

The midfield ace contracted a bout of mumps which left him a doubtful starter for Ballyhale Shamrocks’ defeat by Portumna in the All-Ireland Club semi-final on February 22, in which he looked a pale shadow of his customary highly influential self.