The Tipperary hurlers have received a boost with the news that manager Liam Cahill expects Cathal Barrett to be in the mix to feature in the Premier County’s Munster Championship opener against Clare.
Holycross man Barrett suffered a scapula fracture during the National Hurling League win over Kilkenny two weeks ago.
The news comes as a welcome boost to Tipp, who have been unlucky with injuries in recent weeks. Paddy Cadell suffered a cruciate injury which rules him out for 2023, while Ciarán Connolly is also out for the year. Niall O’Meara is unavailable for six-to-seven weeks due to a groin injury.
The initial assessment of Barrett’s setback was that he would be side-lined for between 10 and 12 weeks.
But Ballingarry native Cahill is hopeful of having two-time All-Star Barrett back in the fold for the trip to Ennis to face the Banner County on April 23.
“It’s a fracture injury so it’s going to take a little bit of time for it to set back properly but once it does, no better man than Cathal to get back,” Cahill told Tipp FM.
“He keeps himself in great shape anyway to be fair to the chap so once the injury itself heals up, I think he should be back in the field and pushing towards the first round of the championship at least anyway.”
The Premier County bid to continue their winning start in the National League when they travel to Croke Park to take on Dublin on Saturday evening.
Tipperary are the only team with a 100% record after two rounds of games in Division 1B. Meanwhile in the 1B group, Cork are the only side with two wins from two.
