Colin O’Riordan shakes off hip injury for Kerry clash

Tipperary have received positive news following scans on the hip injury sustained by Colin O’Riordan in last Sunday’s convincing Munster SFC quarter-final victory over Waterford.

O’Riordan hobbled off in the 42nd minute but manager Peter Creedon confirmed last night that he expects his Munster U21-winning captain to be fit in time for the semi-final with Kerry at Semple Stadium on June 14.

Creedon spoke with team doctor John Hynes yesterday and revealed: “He [O’Riordan] may be sent for a second opinion but if he responds to treatment in the next couple of days, there’s no reason why he won’t play against Kerry.

“I was talking to Dr Hynes and he wants to get a second opinion on it.

“But the initial scans looked positive and assuming he responds to physio, Colin should be OK.”

There was further good news for Creedon as U21 full-back Jimmy Feehan rejoined the squad on Tuesday after recovering from a hand injury.

Creedon said: “Jimmy trained last night and should be fine as well.”

The presence of O’Riordan in Tipp’s starting line-up for the Kingdom visit is a major boost to their hopes of causing an upset.

Ironically, Creedon was preparing to substitute the JK Brackens colossus before he went down injured and was forced off.

However, O’Riordan’s positive injury bulletin will ensure he’s a certain starter against Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s provincial and All-Ireland champions.

Creedon believes Tipp are now better equipped to present a competitive challenge to Kerry, having lost by 17 points in Killarney two years ago.

“What is pleasing this year from our point of view is that we probably have a better choice on the bench as well, more options to pick from.

“There’s no guarantee that the same 15 will start again.

“We’d be hoping to be competitive with Kerry for as long as we possibly can and maybe the bench might help to get us that bit closer over the 70 minutes.”