Mahony ruled out for Waterford

Pauric Mahony is not expected to play for Waterford in this summer's Hurling Championship after undergoing surgery on a groin problem over the weekend.

He had been hampered by the injury during the recent Allianz League, although he did manage to score 0-12 in the Déise's crucial Division 1A wins over Galway and Dublin which saw them avoid relegation.

Ballygunner clubman Mahony made his Championship bow for Waterford last June and was ever-present in the number 12 jersey, tallying up 0-29 across four games.

The 19-year-old free-taker went under the knife at Whitfield Clinic in Waterford and is facing a likely lay-off of four months.

That means he will miss the entire Championship which begins for Michael Ryan's side on June 17 when they take on Clare in a Munster semi-final clash.