Maher a doubt for Munster semi-final

Tipperary full-back Philip Maher has emerged as a serious doubt for next Sunday's Munster SHC semi-final against Waterford at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

The 26-year-old defender injured his knee in a North Tipperary championship game between Borrisoleigh and Nenagh on Saturday evening.

The early diagnosis suggest that the 2001 All-Star may have suffered cartilage damage, meaning he could be facing a minimum of four weeks on the sidelines.

Maher, who made his championship debut against Waterford in 2000, has had a string of problems with his right knee.

He originally snapped his cruciate knee ligament in the 2003 National league final against Kilkenny.

Ironically, almost a year ago to the day, Maher suffered a knee ligament injury in training and was forced to undergo minor surgery. He returned for the Munster final against Cork less than a month later.