Ormonde returns to Tipp squad

Tipperary defender Paul Ormonde has re-joined the senior hurling squad after a lengthy lay-off due to injury.

Ormonde is hoping to play competitively with the Premier County for the first time since Tipp's defeat at the hands of Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final of 2002 following a lay-off which saw him miss all inter-county action last year.

He did make a late appearance in the training squad in August, but was unable to take a place on the bench.

The Loughmore-Castleiney man suffered severe groin trouble and had surgery to sort out the problem.

He has been in action with his club and is now ready and willing to throw in his lot with the county team again.

The news comes as a timely boost to new Tipp boss Ken Hogan and his selectors Jack Bergin and Colm Bonnar who will be putting their charges through their paces over the New Year break.