Paudie returns to Cork training

Cork hurler Paudie O’Sullivan has returned to training with the county squad, a year after suffering a horrific leg break in a club championship game.

However, selector Johnny Crowley admits it is too early to say if the Cloyne man will be fit for the Munster SHC opener against Waterford on May 25.

“Paudie is back in full training now,” Crowley said, “it’s full contact, he’s dealing with it well and he’s improving every night. Fitness is a big thing as he needs to get the strength back into his legs. He has been out for a long time and it’s not easy to get back up to speed straight away.

“It’ll be the case that we’ll go on the medical advice and how Paudie is feeling but it’s too early to say if he’ll be able to play against Waterford.

“You’d have been thinking that it was a fierce outside chance but he has been making great strides and we’ll give him every opportunity.”

Another forward, Luke O’Farrell, is also on the injured list and his return date is also up in the air.

“Luke injured his shoulder,” Crowley said, “and he’s recovering from that. He’s running fine and he’s able to train but not in contact, it’ll be another wait-and-see job.

“Other than that, we’re fairly okay.”

Cork, who beat Limerick in a challenge last week, play Wexford in Nowlan Park on Saturday. They will be without players who will be playing football for their clubs in the opening round of the county championship, however.

“It’s a slight worry but we’d be hopeful fellas will come through those games,” Crowley said.

“We have Wexford this weekend and then Dublin the following week and after that then it’s a two-week lead-in to Waterford, but you can’t do much in the week before the match.”