Sports
Séamus Flanagan out but Seán Finn and Darragh O’Donovan set to return for Limerick’s Munster six-in-a-row bid
John Kiely looks set to have a strong deck to pick from with Séamus Flanagan the only short-term absentee when they chase a Munster SHC six-in-a-row against Clare in Thurles on Sunday.
Flanagan, who famously fired 3-3 in their defeat to Cork in round three, will be sidelined for a number of weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in their victory over Waterford ten days ago.
The Feohanagh-Castlemahon forward may recover in time for the All-Ireland stages but the Banner bout will come too soon while the Treaty are already without All-Star forward Peter Casey after his ankle break against Tipperary.
There is more positive news on Seán Finn, however, with the four-time All-Star corner-back expected to come back into the selection mix having hobbled off against the Rebels before half-time.
With nearly four weeks of recovery now under his belt, the Bruff defender is expected to make the match-day squad while two-time All-Star midfielder Darragh O’Donovan is also nearing full fitness.
Kiely has been particularly patient with O’Donovan, who hasn’t featured for the Treaty in the last three months due to a calf injury, but the Doon ace is understood to be closing in on a return to the match-day 26.
Limerick are bidding to go where no team has gone before by securing a Munster six-in-a-row while Brian Lohan’s Clare are hoping to avoid provincial final defeat for the third year in succession with another classic joust in store.