THE CORK HURLERS have been dealt a massive blow ahead of Sunday week’s Munster senior hurling final with defender Brian Murphy after suffering a shoulder injury today that is set to rule him out of the clash.
TheScore.ie has learned that Murphy sustained the injury when he damaged the AC joint in his shoulder in a match for his club Bride Rovers.
The East Cork club were in action in the second round of the Cork senior hurling championship against Ballinhassig in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Bride Rovers triumphed in that game by 1-14 to 0-11 but their win was overshadowed by Murphy’s injury.
Murphy’s potential absence is a major setback for Cork boss Jimmy Barry-Murphy ahead of the clash with Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds on July 14th.
He was key figure in their victory last Sunday against Clare as he did a superb job in marking Banner danger man Tony Kelly.
Murphy also provides vital experience as himself and Tom Kenny are the only members of Cork’s 2005 All-Ireland winning side to be still involved in the current setup.
The Rebels have already been hit by injuries this season with Paudie O’Sullivan out for the campaign after sustaining a serious leg injury.
Patrick Cronin and Lorcan McLoughlin were both unavailable to start in the Munster semi-final win over Clare but team captain Cronin did come on as a substitute in that game and it is hoped McLoughlin will be back for the clash against Limerick.
