Going through the pain barrier

SUCH is the competition for places in the Tipperary senior hurling camp that players are often operating through the pain barrier to secure a starting berth.

Captain Eoin Kelly has received injections to ease his back problems and line out to serve the county cause.

But he is not alone. Veteran forward John O’Brien suffered a back injury ahead of their first-round Munster SHC game against Cork last month. Despite the discomfort O’Brien made sure he was fit for battle.