McGrath ruled out for Deise

Waterford will line out in next month's Munster SHC semi-final without the services of centre back Ken McGrath.

The talented Mount Sion defender, who starred in the Deise's Munster title wins in 2002 and 2004, fractured his thumb in a club championship game with Ballyduff Lower over the weekend.

McGrath had surgery on his hand today and his recovery period is expected to last six weeks. The Munster semi between Waterford and Tipperary or Limerick will take place on June 4 at either Pairc Ui Chaoimh or Thurles.

McGrath, an All-Star winner in both 2002 and 2004, had only just recovered from a knee injury.

John Mullane (broken arm) and Eoin Kelly (12-week suspension) have already been ruled out of the Waterford line-up for the semi, while Deise boss Justin McCarthy is also sweating on the fitness of captain Paul Flynn, who has a chest problem.