Wexford's James Breen played through meningitis

It has emerged that Wexford’s James Breen played in the All-Ireland hurling qualifier win over Cork while suffering from viral meningitis.

And the corner-back is now a huge doubt for next Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final clash with Waterford at Semple Stadium Breen had been ill in the days before the qualifier win but amazingly managed to shrug off his symptoms to take his place in the Wexford defence, where he was assigned the formidable task of subduing Cork dangerman Alan Cadogan.

Breen wouldn’t have played if it was known his condition was so serious, but Wexford manager Liam Dunne paid tribute to his player’s resilience and appetite for action.