Brian Hurley set to miss Munster final against Kerry says John Cleary

"We're awaiting the final medical assessment but realistically I don't think he'll make it on Sunday week," said the Cork boss.

HUGE BLOW: Cork manager John Cleary has confirmed Brian Hurley is set to miss the Munster Senior Football final against Kerry. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor.

Cork manager John Cleary has confirmed Brian Hurley is set to miss the Munster SFC final against Kerry in Killarney on Sunday week with a groin injury.

Hurley scored 0-3 during the Rebels’ semi-final victory against Tipperary on Saturday but despite only coming on at half time, he was forced to withdraw in the 56th minute.

And speaking on Tuesday evening, Cleary admitted the experienced forward is likely to miss the clash against the All-Ireland champions while Mattie Taylor has also been ruled out and Dara Sheely is unlikely to recover in time to feature.

"It looks like Brian won't make it now,” said Cleary.

“He got a groin injury the last day. We're awaiting the final medical assessment but realistically I don't think he'll make it on Sunday week.

"We just haven't got the final scans back on it. But with something like that, you don't get a player back in two weeks, so it looks like it'll be a bit longer than that.

“It's a pity for any player, particularly for Brian and the service he's given. He's had his injury issues in the past and he had a couple of niggling injuries this year.

“It's just unfortunate what happened the last day but that's the way things have gone. There are lots of injuries around the place and unfortunately Brian has got one this time.

“Mattie Taylor isn't far away either. We'd expect Mattie to be back soon after that as well. But next week is not an option for Mattie.

“Dara Sheedy, we won't know maybe until next week where we're situated with him.

“He's on the mend but that game might come a small bit too soon for him. Other than that, it's all systems go.”

Meanwhile Cleary admitted he has no issue with Kerry’s use of a screen, which they appeared to utilise effectively in their semi-final victory over Clare on Saturday, although he believes it is something the officials will have to deal with during the provincial decider.

"Look, it's something that maybe has come into the game but if referees deem it's a foul, then it's a foul. If not, it's just part of what teams do,” he added.

“We've seen them doing it the last day and we'll just see is there anything we can do for it the next day.

“I think there's more than Kerry doing it. In a lot of cases, they're not fouls but in some cases they are. And they're blatant fouls.

“So hopefully the referee and the officials will deal with that and whatever comes up.

“We’re aware of it now. It's like any other aspect of play. I watched the Clare game, and it happened two or three times so to me, it wasn't a big deal.

“But if it's illegal, surely the officials will deal with it on the day and that's their job."