GAA:Cork's Dónal Óg Cusack looks set to miss the rest of the season with an Achilles rupture that will be operated on this afternoon. The Rebels goalkeeper sustained the injury in the 17th minute of yesterday's Allianz Hurling League semi-final win over Tipperary at Semple Stadium.
Worst fears were confirmed today when he was examined by Dr Eanna Falvey, head of sports medicine at the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry. He will be operated on by consultant orthopaedic surgeon Johnny McKenna.
The 35-year-old tweeted the news this afternoon, saying: “Complete rupture Achilles. Op l8r today. Thks 2medics, officials & gardai at Semple.”
Anthony Nash filled in for the captain yesterday and is likely to continue in his absence, but Cusack’s are big shoes to fill.
“[Cusack is] a terrible loss for us,” said manager Jimmy Barry Murphy on RTE yesterday. “I’m bitterly disappointed for him because he’s been a great captain for us so far and he’s done a great job and he’s really been the players leader and they look up to him very much so it’s a great loss for us.”
Patrick Horgan of Glen Rovers is expected to assume captaincy duties, starting with a league final meeting with Kilkenny on May 6th.