Young guns for Tipperary are shot down injured but others are near a return

The effects of last Sunday's game against Waterford is still being felt as Tipperary hurling boss Liam Cahill faces yet another injury crisis with Gearóid O’Connor and Brian McGrath now both doubtful to be able to continue hurling this championship season.

The former minor and Under 21 stars hobbled off against Waterford last Sunday and both look set to be on the sidelines for some time. Fitzgibbon cup winner Gearóid O’Connor has been outstanding across the Munster championship as he continued in his good vein of form following on from the 'University of Limerick' spring time college campaign.

Last Sunday the tall and strong Moyne Templetuohy star struck a long range point but he was withdrawn immediately as he had suffered an ankle injury in the first half. It is believed he ran into camera equiptment by the sideline. 

The centre forward is believed to be facing at least three to four weeks away from the action while multiple county medal winner from Loughmore-Castleiney, Brian McGrath, is set to be out for some time as well after he took a bad belt to the back  when the action heated up in the second half.

Brian, who is a younger brother of Noel and John, struck a fantastic point into the Town End during the first half last Sunday after a sublime overhead pass from his older brother Noel and really stepped up for Tipperary this year.

The loss of both young guns means Tipp will likely be without both for upcoming games as well as Ger Browne, Paddy Cadell, Barry Heffernan amongst others who are also on the injured list.

Niall O'Meara is nearing a return to full fitness and will push for a starting berth next day out while his Kilruane MacDonaghs clubmate Craig Morgan is also on the mend, and is expected to be back in action later in the summer as his recovery has gone well from a knee injury he suffered last year.

Jason Forde suffered a hamstring injury against Cork down by the Lee and it is hoped he will be recovered fully over the coming weeks. 

Tipperary now play Offaly in a preliminary All-Ireland quarter-final on June 17th in Tullamore in what is a chance to dust down and get the season back on track.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​