Blow for Nemo as O’Driscoll out of final

A SUSPECTED broken cheekbone has ruled Nemo Rangers forward Barry O’Driscoll out of the Munster Club SFC final against Dr Crokes.

O’Driscoll was injured in an incident late in Sunday’s semi-final against Stradbally and replaced after continuing briefly. While there was an early diagnosis of the extent of the injury, the understanding is that because his cheek was swollen yesterday, he won’t know for certain until he re-visits hospital this morning.

Meanwhile, talk of the clubs tossing for choice of venue was dismissed by Nemo secretary Alfie Herbert, with the Munster Council confirming the Limerick Gaelic Grounds for the decider on December 5.

The teams met in the Munster semi-final four years ago, when the Pat O’Shea-managed Crokes won 2-10 to 0-10 in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Colm Cooper was top scorer with 1-4 and the other goal came from Brian Looney, who is now captain. Interestingly, his father Tommy was a member of the UCC team in 1972 when Nemo won their first Cork title and he was captain when the College captured the title the following year, against Carbery.

It was a predominantly Kerry selection and also included Eoin Brosnan’s father Niall as well as Dan Kavanagh.