Future of Limerick boss in balance

Limerick hurling boss Dave Keane has been hit with the bombshell news that up to his five of his players are reportedly close to withdrawing from the panel in defiance of the manager.

Keane's track record at U21 level is second to none but he's enjoyed a fractious period in charge of the seniors this year and Limerick bowed out of the championship to Offaly in the qualifiers.

County Board Secretary, Jimmy Hartigan, was keeping quiet on the matter of player withdrawals and said tersely: "There will be no statement on this matter."