Séamus Flanagan back in contention for All-Ireland semi-final, laughs off backroom team slip

The Treaty forward sat out the Munster final win over Clare. 

SHORE THING: Seamus Flanagan of Limerick poses for a portrait with the Liam MacCarthy Cup during the national launch of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship at Spanish Point in Clare. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Five-time All-Ireland winner Séamus Flanagan is set to strengthen Limerick’s five-in-a-row hunt as he returns from a hamstring injury suffered against Waterford in the Munster championship.

Speaking at the launch of the All-Ireland hurling series in Clare, Flanagan confirmed he is already back running in training. The inside forward scored 3-3 against Cork in round three before coming off after 20 minutes in the final round. He was not included in the 26 for the Munster final.

“It is harder to get back for Munster,” Flanagan said. “Games coming thick and fast. I'm back on the pitch now this week. Please God, back hurling soon.

“I made a dart left. I'd made five or six runs before that. I felt warmed up. I landed with my left leg and felt something go. It wasn't a full tear. A grade two tear and it was downgraded to a grade 1. Should be good to go in the next week or two.” 

Despite missing the victory in Semple Stadium last Sunday, it is other injured players that Flanagan is most disappointed for. Peter Casey was ruled out for the season after he suffered a broken ankle in their Munster SHC victory over Tipperary.

“It's short-term. For Peter, it is heartbreaking really. Coming back fresh from a cruciate to have this horror injury happen. Mike has been through the wringer with knees as well. Hamstrings, things like that. It is tough on the family. I know his mother Helen really well. My wife does as well. But I don't know if you saw the picture of the lads sitting with him afterwards, it just goes to show the comradery and bond that is there.”

Meanwhile, Flanagan said he was as surprised as everyone else when his captain Declan Hannon accidentally thanked a backroom team of 53 people in his post-match victory speech. It was later clarified that the Limerick captain meant a team of 53, including their panel of 37 and 16 on the backroom team.

“I don't know where he pulled that number from,” said Flanagan with a laugh. “53 on the backroom team. I'd never heard the likes of it. I'm assuming he put players in as well. When he said it, I was chatting to Cian at the time. I was like, 53 on the backroom team, he must know more than I do! They must all be working from home!”