Kilmurry-Ibrickane wait on O’Dwyer

KILMURRY-IBRICKANE boss Michael McDermott is optimistic long-serving attacker Odhrán O’Dwyer will be fit for Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Tír Chonaill Gaels in Ruislip.

O’Dwyer injured his knee in training with the club earlier this month and initially it was feared he had torn his cruciate ligament. But it later emerged O’Dwyer had damaged his medial ligament and McDermott is hopeful the full-forward can feature at some stage next Sunday.

“Odhrán is working hard to come back and in fairness he’s very professional as regards the treatment of injuries.

“I know he’ll look after himself very well and that he’ll be working hard to get himself in good shape. I’d certainly be hoping now that he’ll be able to play some part against Tír Chonaill Gaels. Luckily, everyone else is okay and we haven’t picked up any other injuries since the Munster club final win against Kerins O’Rahillys.”

McDermott is also in charge of the Clare senior side this year, making his competitive debut Sunday against UCC in the McGrath Cup in Cooraclare and, despite tasting defeat there, he is satisfied with their progress so far.

McDermott will continue to run the rule over players in the coming weeks. Defender Barry Duggan (neck), who won a county senior hurling medal with Cratloe last year, and attacker Rory Donnelly (back) are the main injury worries ahead of their NFL Division 4 opener against Wicklow on February 7.

“It was a disappointment to be gone from the McGrath Cup so early as it would have been good for us to get more games. But we’ve lots of new players on the panel and we’re going to give everyone a chance to stake a claim for a place in the squad. We’re hoping to have a good squad available for the National League. ”