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.

“The problem first flared up a few weeks before we played Cork in the Munster semi-final,” explained Hayes. “I went up to Santry and I was diagnosed by Dr Eanna Falvey, but because the hurlers reached the All-Ireland final all the club games were delayed so I put the surgery on the long finger.

“I am finding it sore at the moment, but I don’t know whether to start panicking yet. I am only a week off the crutches. I have a fairly bad limp. I am going back up to see the surgeon, Dr Jonathan Bunn, on Friday week. He had told me initially that the recovery period would be between three and four months.

“I am out of work and I am struggling with my walking. The bike is the best I can do at the moment and some core exercises. If I am being realistic, the league is out of the question.”