LIMERICK'S top scorer Gary Kirby is back in contention for a place in tomorrow's Munster hurling final.
Kirby, who earlier in the week had been detained in hospital on suspicion of having sustained yesterday received heartened news from doctors who had studied the results of vane out tests run on the Patrickswell man.
Results show that contrary to earlier indications he did not sustain a fractured skull, but his chances of playing tomorrow, though greatly improved, still depend on final medical approval.
Limerick officials remain cautious. "No decision will be made until Sunday morning," said Limerick PRO Sandra Marsh.
Team manager Tom Ryan was himself in hospital yesterday undergoing tests on a sore throat which has dogged him for the last six weeks.
He had already declined to make a decision on Kirby's selection until the last minute and after consultations with the team doctor.
Tests on the player revealed no fracture in the skull, only heavy bruising behind the ear believed to have been sustained during last week's match. Marsh said the matter had been taken particularly seriously because Kirby had suffered a fractured skull when a child, as a result of a car crash.
She added that the mood in the county had tumbled during the week. "Everyone woke up morose on the morning and didn't know why until they remembered they had heard the news the night before. The difference between the training sessions. On Tuesday there was a huge crowd and then on the Thursday, everyone was awfully subdued."
Kirby said "The scan showed up nothing, it's a load off my mind. On the day I'd love to play in a Munster final, but I'll have to go by whatever the doctor tells me."
Meanwhile, the Ulster Council has confirmed that the Ulster hurling final will go ahead at Casement Park tomorrow. The situation in the North had led to worries earlier in the week that the Down Antrim match might have to be called off.
Hogan Stand tickets for the Offaly Wexford Leinster final at Croke Park go on sale in the ticket office in Jones's Road at midday tomorrow at a cost of £10. Admission to the terraces and New Stand will be by cash at the turnstiles.
