Inter-county hurling stars injured on Limerick club championship duty

INTER-COUNTY hurling stars Kyle Hayes and Aaron Gillane could be set to miss key games for their respective clubs after sustaining injuries in the weekend’s second round ties in the Whitebox Limerick Senior Hurling Championship.

Patrickswell’s Aaron Gillane had his arm in a sling in the aftermath of his side’s loss to champions Doon, while Kyle Hayes sparked fresh injury fears after sustaining a serious knock during his outing with his club.

There were concerns over the injury status of the five-time All Star recipient over the weekend after Hayes went down injured during the Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Newcastle West tie on Friday evening.

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After 17 minutes, Newcastle West full-back Maurice Murphy was shown a red card by referee Johnny Murphy for a high challenge on Hayes. Play was halted for around five minutes in Sean Finn Park, Rathkeale as Hayes lay on the ground in visible discomfort.

Physio Mark Melbourne quickly attended to him, assisted by some of the Kildimo-Pallaskenry mentors, before helping him from the field.

The 2024 All-Star did not return to the action for the duration of the game but remained on the sideline, watching the remainder of the game on his feet.

Concerns mounted over the weekend after a photo circulated online of the 27-year-old lying on a hospital bed wearing a neckbrace, in his club jersey. The Leader has not been able to ascertain if this is a legitimate photo.

On the field of play, there is no 100% record in Group One of the Whitebox Limerick Senior Hurling Championship after two rounds of action.

Doon, Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock each had a win and a draw.

Ballybrown have one win, Ahane one draw and Patrickswell are the only side to have suffered two defeats to-date.

Four from this group of six will reach the knockout stages.

Na Piarsaigh have played their opening two games with four All-Ireland SHC winners - Mike and Peter Casey and Conor and Jerome Boylan.

In Group Two of the senior championship there are two places in the knockout stages up for grabs.

Monaleen have a 100% record with two wins.

Kildimo-Pallaskenry have a win and a draw, while both Mungret and Newcastle West have two draws each.

Adare have one draw, while Dromin-Athlacca are bottom of the table on zero points.

Limerick's club focus switches to football next weekend before hurling returns on August 21-24.

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