Breaking: Tipp hurler Brendan Maher to be sidelined until next year with serious knee injury

Tipperary hurling star Brendan Maher will be out of action until well into next year having received confirmation that the cruciate ligament in his right knee has been torn in an exchange in the Munster championship tie against Clare.

The Borris-Ileigh defender fell to the ground clutching his right knee as he attempted to prevent the goal which sank Tipperary hopes in the final moments of the clash. And, despite calls for a stretcher from medics, the 2016 All-Ireland winning captain, rose to his feet and was helped off the field by Tipperary backroom members. However, the worst was feared for Brendan and it has now been confirmed that he will undergo surgery next month to fix the problem.

A few weeks of pre-hab is necessary before the Borris' man can undergo the surgeons knife and the news comes as a major blow to last years county finalists, who also saw clumban Dan McCormack removed from the field after a heavy collision with Tony Kelly. However, Dan is Ok and is expected to lineout when the championship recommences.

Brendan Mahers loss to Borris-Ileigh is  incalculable and he has been the driving force behind their re-emergence as a force in Tipperary hurling. His unerring accuracy from placed balls helped his side all the way to the county final, and news of the extent of the injury is a major personal blow. However, given his determination and willingness to always  go the extra mile, he is being backed to make a full recovery and is wished well by all hurling people in Tipperary and further afield.