Kerry stars recovering after horror injuries

A Kerry club hurler was unable to talk or move following an accidental clash in a county senior hurling championship semi-final on Sunday night.

Ballyduff’s David O’Grady lay motionless on the Abbeydorney pitch after a freak collision with team-mate Daniel O’Carroll in the 19th minute of their game against Kilmoyley.

Medical personnel and physiotherapists attended to the player who was removed to Kerry General Hospital by ambulance where he was detained on Sunday night.

However, Ballyduff chairman, Nicky Leen last night reported O’Grady will make a complete recovery.

“He was not talking to medics nor was he able to move, which was really worrying. But he got the best of care and he was shifted to KGH, where he was detained overnight.

“But the news on David is good, in that he regained consciousness last night and all his tests and scans have not shown any injuries.

“He was kept in overnight because it was concussion but he was released today (Monday) and will just have rest now for the mandatory period.

“He had two brothers playing Padraig and Giles and I would say it did affect them in the second half. But Kilmoyley were the better team and fully deserved their win.”

Five minutes after play resumed Kerry Christy Ring Cup All Star and Irish Shinty player, Tom Murnane, was left screaming in agony after a player fell on top of him.

He too was transferred to KGH when the ambulance returned, thus delaying the start of the second half, with suspected rib damage.

It was subsequently confirmed that Murnane has broken ribs and a collapsed lung and he will miss the county final.

Kilmoyley manager John Meyler said: “It looks like he will remain in hospital for a few days at least and let’s hope he makes a full recovery.

“He was well looked after at the grounds and fair play to Abbeydorney for their organisation.”

That county final between Kilmoyley and St Brendan’s will be played on September 27 at a venue which is yet to be decided.