TJ Ryan confirms David Breen Limerick injury blow

Limerick’s David Breen has been ruled out of action until the start of July, meaning the Na Piarsaigh man will miss the Munster SHC semi-final against Tipperary should the county see off Clare on May 24 in the provincial opener.

Breen’s absence for that Banner clash had already been reported earlier this week, but Limerick manager TJ Ryan confirmed the length of his absence last night though he was unable to give a timeframe for the return of injured goalkeeper Nickie Quaid.

“Huge,” Ryan agreed when it was put to him that their respective losses were somewhat significant. “Two experienced players at this level. Experience is key. Both guys would have been playing.

“But I suppose injuries are part and parcel of sport unfortunately. The other side is you have to get on with it. It’s an opportunity for someone else to stake a claim and make a name for themselves.”

Breen (broken bone in his lower foot) and Quaid (broken collarbone) aside, there was good news for the Shannonsiders with the confirmation that Seamus Hickey, Donal O’Grady and Kevin Downes have all been handed a clean bill of health.

For Quaid and Breen, however, it makes for a frustrating spell.

“I did go through a rough few weeks when I was trying to be pushing doctors and asking them for dates, and you’d have it in your head you’d be back for this game or another game or whatever it is,” said the goalkeeper.

“I’ve just got my head around it, that it’s this few weeks off now and do everything right I can to get back. Rest is all I am allowed to do at the moment, very little movement, very limited to what I can do, just give it times so the bone knits.”