Kelly fit for US jaunt but misses Cork and Galway clashes

TIPPERARY captain Eoin Kelly will shake hands with US President Barack Obama on St Patrick’s Day despite sustaining an horrific compound fracture to one of his fingers last Sunday.

The damage is to Kelly’s left hand and will rule the Mullinahone clubman out of action for four weeks.

Six-time All Star Kelly will miss the next two Allianz NHL matches, against Cork and Galway, but could return for the final group fixture, at home to Wexford on April 17.

Kelly went off in the fifth minute of last Sunday’s comfortable victory against Offaly in Nenagh with blood pumping from the top of one of the middle fingers on his left hand.

He had lost a fingernail after he was accidentally trod upon while the plate below the nail was also cracked.

Tipperary team doctor Peter Murchin administered local anaesthetic, performed a delicate stitching operation and dressed the wound.

Scans yesterday revealed a compound fracture at the top of the digit but Kelly has been cleared to fly to Washington DC this afternoon.

2010 footballer of the year Bernard Brogan and last year’s All-Ireland SHC winning captain Kelly have been invited to take part in the White House’s official celebrations on Thursday.

Kelly will present US President Obama with Tipperary GAA merchandise and Brogan is preparing to hand over a similar gift on behalf of the Dublin County Board.

Meanwhile, Tipperary manager Declan Ryan expressed satisfaction with last Sunday’s win and believes that the All-Ireland champions are “going in the right direction”.

Ryan confirmed that corner-back Eddie Connolly, who was withdrawn at half-time, suffered slight concussion but will be ready for the Munster SHC dress rehearsal against Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on March 27.

“Everyone else is fine. We’re happy enough with the win. Overall we’re going in the right direction but Cork are travelling very well at the minute in the league. It will be a good test for us,” he said.