Tipp defenders to miss league campaign

Tipperary Allstar defender Paul Kelly and colleague Paul Ormonde are likely to miss most of the Premier County's Allianz National Hurling League campaign with serious injuries which will keep them out of action for at least another six weeks.

Kelly has been struggling with a hamstring injury and is confined to undergoing very light gym work in preparation for his return to action, while Ormonde is suffering from a long term back and leg injury which restricted his game last season.

Both players have been receiving treatment for their injuries with Allstar Kelly being the most likely to return sooner rather than later.

He tore the hamstring in his left leg from the bone in the county final for club side Mullinahone in November and the recovery process has been extremely slow.

Surgery is still being considered for corner back Ormonde who has been a regular in the side for the last four seasons.