Cruciate injury ends Cooper’s season

By John Fogarty

Kerry captain Colm Cooper is likely to miss the county's Championship campaign after a scan today confirmed the 30-year-old suffered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee.

The Dr Crokes forward was informed of the bad news after attending the Sports Injury Surgery Clinic in Santry.

Cooper travelled to Dublin fearing the worst after hobbling off in Saturday's All-Ireland club semi-final defeat to Castlebar Mitchels in Portlaoise's O'Moore Park.

As he kicked a 19th minute point, the eight-time All Star fell to the ground as he was sandwiched between two Castlebar defenders.

A statement released by the Kerry County Board read: "A scan in the Santry Sports Clinic today has revealed that Colm Cooper has ruptured his cruciate ligament. He will undergo surgery in due course."

"Kerry GAA wishes our Senior Football captain a full and speedy recovery."