Mahony on course for Munster decider

Waterford hurler Pauric Mahony has made a quicker than expected recovery from groin surgery and is in line to play some part in Sunday week's Munster SHC final against Tipperary.

Having been troubled by a groin injury during the Allianz League, Mahony went under the knife in May and it was initially thought that he would miss the Déise's entire Championship campaign.

However, the 19-year-old's powers of recovery have got him back in training ahead of the decisive clash with Tipp, and it is thought that he will be fit enough for a substitute's role.

The Ballygunner clubman burst onto the senior inter-county scene last year with his scoring exploits from frees and overall influence earning him a nomination for an All-Star award.

Mahony recently returned to training and Michael Ryan's panel had a well-contested internal game with the Waterford Under-21s at Walsh Park last night as they gear up for the final.

But Darragh Fives (broken finger) and Aidan Kearney (shoulder) will miss the provincial decider due to their injuries.