Leahy to return to Tipperary fold

Former Allstar hurler John Leahy could be set for a dramatic return to the Tipperary team.

The 33-year-old Mullinahone man has not played for Tipperary since seriously injuring his knee against Clare in the 2001 Championship.

He underwent surgery for the injury and last year was player-manager of his club, which won the Tipperary championship for the first time.

Leahy was invited by Tipp manager Michael Doyle to train with the team at the weekend and while no decision has been made on his future at inter-county level, speculation in Tipperary is that he will be back in the fold before the Championship.

However, it has been confirmed that he will not be involved in next Sunday's National Hurling League clash against Kilkenny; nor will former Kilkenny star Denis Byrne, who has also been in training with Tipperary.