Ó hAilpín poised to return for Cork

SEÁN ÓG Ó hAilpín is due to return for the Cork hurlers in Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against the five-in-a-row chasing Kilkenny at Croke Park.

The news, however, is not so positive for fellow defender Shane O’Neill and long-serving midfielder Jerry O’Connor. Both players are struggling with groin problems, with O’Connor the gravest concern having carried the injury for several months.

His established midfield partnership with Tom Kenny has all but ended this season – mainly due to the athleticism of Cathal Naughton, with O’Connor even starting the Munster final against Waterford on July 11th at centre forward before being replaced by Michael Cussen.

Ó hAilpín was also forced off in the second half of the drawn provincial decider, with Ray Ryan coming in.

O’Neill took over Ó hAilpín’s left-half back role for the replay, which Cork lost after a Dan Shanahan goal in extra-time, but O’Neill’s groin failed to hold up for 70 minutes that day, with Ryan again the replacement.

Ryan is now an established member of the panel, having been made the temporary captain of the 2009 Cork panel under Gerald McCarthy when most of the current squad were on strike.

The Cork team will be announced tomorrow night, with Brian Cody, as usual, releasing the Kilkenny side after training on Friday evening.

All has been typically quiet in the All-Ireland champions’ camp but they are also suffering from injuries to three important players.

John Tennyson’s knee seems to be cruciate damage and may yet require surgery, so Brian Hogan will remain at centre back.

Tennyson was expected to usurp Hogan at number six, having replaced him after 28 minutes of the Leinster final defeat of Galway on July 4th.

That impressive dismantling of Galway, 1-19 to 1-12, was the last anyone has seen or heard from Kilkenny as they retreated to Nowlan Park to continue their usual low-key preparations.

But first they must overcome their fierce rivals this Sunday without the services of Richie Hogan as the Danesfort attacker is nursing ankle ligaments.

Hogan was not expected to start but has become a guaranteed late arrival as Kilkenny seek an injection of scores in the last quarter.

“The ankle hasn’t responded to treatment yet so he is definitely gone,” said selector Martin Fogarty.

Perhaps the most concerning loss would be midfielder Michael Rice as it would be “a small miracle”, according to Fogarty, if he was to feature against Cork having broken a bone in his right hand three weeks ago in a club match.

“He has nothing done. The plaster has denied him the chance to hurl so it is highly unlikely it will happen for him.

“The plaster cast was removed last night, the doctor may give him good news today but he is fighting against the clock at this stage.”

Rice has been in fine form this season but his absence does provide an opportunity for All Star James “Cha” Fitzpatrick to return to the side.

Derek Lyng is the alternative so they are not exactly without seriously talented options in this department.