Waterford star Pauric Mahony facing tough road back, says brother Philip

Philip Mahony admits his brother Pauric faces a more arduous road to recovery than he did last year when he suffered a double leg fracture and a broken ankle.

Older sibling Philip missed Waterford’s 2014 championship following an injury in a May Bank Holiday weekend game with Ballygunner.

Almost 12 months to the day, Pauric’s season too was finished by a broken shinbone against Ballyduff Upper earlier this month. A fundraising challenge game with Wexford in Pauric’s honour takes place this weekend.

Don't forget the Senior Hurling Challenge in @ballygunnerHc SATURDAY @7pm in aid of @PauricMahony and Pieta House! pic.twitter.com/twaUMwielG

— East Waterford GAA (@EastDeiseGAA) May 25, 2015

Explained Philip: “My break wasn’t as bad as Pauric’s. I didn’t have to get a plate put down through it as he had.

“He’s obviously devastated, it’s only hitting home in the last few days as we’re building up to the Cork game. He was on the back of a major high from the league.

“The well wishes he received as well were great, keeping his mind space occupied, but I think once that died down, you know, over the next few days and in the lead-up to the Cork game, it’s definitely going to hit home for him. It’s just disappointing.”

Thanks to everyone for the messages and support over last few days much appreciated and operation went to plan 👍

— Pauric Mahony (@PauricMahony) May 13, 2015

Positioned at the other end of the field in that club game, Mahony initially thought his brother had picked up a head injury only for Dr Tadhg O’Sullivan to confirm it was his leg.

“You know what they say about bones, they heal stronger and he’ll have the plate there. I think one of the surgeons said to him that the only way it will break again is if someone takes a sledgehammer to it!

“He is going to be hard to replace, there’s no point saying otherwise. He was probably the fulcrum of our team.

“Whoever comes in will just have to work as hard as anyone else.”

Mahony hopes Maurice Shanahan recovers from the knee injury suffered lining out for Lismore as he is an option to take over the frees from Mahony.

Meanwhile, Seamus Harnedy has declared himself fit for the Semple Stadium clash on Sunday week after retiring late in the Division 1 final with a hamstring tear.

“I’m making good progress. I’m nearly back into full training.

“You’d miss being stuck in training with the lads instead of rehabilitation every night of the week. Thank God we’ve a great man in Declan O’Sullivan. He really helped me get back on my feet. I’m not too far away.”

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