Hayes out after hip surgery

Clare football goalkeeper Joe Hayes is facing up to four months on the sideline following hip surgery.

The long-serving custodian went under the knife in early December, having been diagnosed with Femoroacetabular impingement of the hip, worsened by a labral groin tear.

Hayes first encountered hip problems last May but the Limerick-based garda, bolstered by injections and painkillers, continued to line out between the sticks until the club scene concluded at the end of November.