Blow for Premier hopes as Kelly breaks ankle

TIPPERARY hurlers suffered a devastating pre-championship blow yesterday when Paul Kelly suffered a broken ankle on club duty with Mullinahone.

Kelly, older brother of five-time All Star and county captain Eoin, sustained the injury during the first half of his club’s 2-18 to 0-10 South SHC victory against Ballybacon/Grange at Monroe.

Ironically, the tragedy struck Kelly during his first game back with Mullinahone since transferring back from Kilkenny outfit O’Loughlin Gaels. Onlookers have indicated that two-time All Star Paul, 31, went down in innocuous fashion before his boot was removed and the player was carried to the dressing room.