'Redser' remains out of Tipp reckoning

According to a statement issued by the Tipperary county board this afternoon, only two players have been dropped from the Tipperary senior hurling panel, and not five as previously reported.

News broke within the Premier county last night that five players, including team captain Ger 'Redser' O'Grady, had been dropped by manager 'Babs' Keating after they failed to turn up for a team meeting in Tipperary town on Monday night.

However, it now seems only O'Grady and young forward Micheal Webster have been axed.

The statement read: "In recent days, the Tipperary senior hurling management and team trainer Brian Murray, in conjunction with the Tipperary county board officers met to discuss their preparations for next month’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final.

"Their deliberations included a review of the panel, looking at the team training schedule and adherence to the guidelines which put the behavioural onus on all county players.

"This has resulted in two players, Ger O’Grady and Micheal Webster, not presently holding down a permanent position on the Tipperary senior hurling panel."

The dropped duo are to have their status "finalised" in the coming weeks with the quarter-finals down for decision over the weekend of July 22-23.

The remainder of the Tipperary panel trained last night.

The news will come as a particular blow to the 28-year-old O'Grady, who was appointed as skipper following Thurles Sarsfields' county championship triumph last season.