Jackie Tyrell, Kilkenny’s eight-time All-Ireland medal winner, remains a major injury concern for next month’s meeting with Galway in the Liam MacCarthy Cup final.
The 33-year old was ruled out of Kilkenny’s semi-final win over Waterford, after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, resulting in him having to wear a protective boot.
Speaking at last night’s media briefing, Brian Cody, the Kilkenny manager, stated that Tyrrell remains in a race against the clock to be fit for the September 6 final, which would represent a significant blow to the defending champions’ chances of retaining their title, given how they are perceived to be lacking back up on their bench.
“He’s out of the boot now and it depends on how he recovers from that and we’re not ruling him in or out at the moment,” Cody said.
“He’s not back [training] yet. He’s just working his way back and we’re hoping he can get back running and doing everything he needs to do [to be available to play in the final].
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“Right now, we just don’t now [if Tyrell will recover in time].”
Another veteran, Eoin Larkin suffered a thumb injury last week but the diagnosis on the attacker’s injury is not as serious as it is in Tyrell’s case. Ger Aylward, fit again after a minor knock, will also be available for selection.
Furthermore, Richie Hogan, last year’s Hurler of the Year, revealed after Kilkenny’s semi-final victory over Waterford that he had put himself through a torturous regime to play in that game, after suffering a back injury.
“Richie obviously recovered amazingly well because it was serious for the semi-final and he’s just taking it easy at the moment,” Cody said. “We are hopeful that Richie will be fine for the final.”
The Kilkenny manager also had positive news regarding the fitness of Richie Power, the forward who has not played this summer because of knee trouble.
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“He has had a tough year, there is no doubt about that,” Cody said. “But could he come into the reckoning in time for the final? Yes, he could.”
Meanwhile, Ryan O’Dwyer, Dublin hurling’s half forward, does not believe any of his team-mates will retire this winter and is predicting a much improved campaign for his county in 2016.
Dublin suffered a heavy Leinster Championship defeat against Galway before their subsequent All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Waterford.
The dispiriting campaign has left a question mark over the futures over a number of veteran players, including O’Dwyer himself, his colleague for club and country, Niall Corcoran, Conal Keaney, David O’Callaghan and Gary Maguire, the former All Star goalkeeper. However, O’Dwyer stated he personally intends to stay on.
“I’ll be brutally honest with you, as soon as the final whistle went against Waterford, I was just thinking about next year already, that was my personal feeling anyhow,” the 29-year-old said.
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“I might not have wanted to talk about it then but, as time goes by, you certainly have one eye on next year and which of our players are still going to be available to us.
“Most of the lads from our squad that I have met in the last couple of weeks have discussed one thing: our hopes for next season. Already, there is a focus within our squad for next season.
“I’ve got caught in the past of blowing ourselves up and talking about the future too much. But I certainly think there is going to be an energy there next year and I certainly think when Ger [Cunningham, the Dublin manager] gives us a call to regroup, I don’t think anyone will be thinking that it will be a chore to go back. We’ll be looking forward to go back.”
Keaney, the former Dublin footballer, may be considering retirement because of family commitments but O’Dwyer has urged all players not to rush to any decision.
●O’Dwyer was speaking at the launch of the One Direct Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland hurling sevens which takes place on Saturday, September 5.