WATERFORD HURLERS have suffered a massive pre-championship blow with the news that forward Pauric Mahony has been ruled out for the entire campaign.
The talented 19-year-old Ballygunner attacker, who made his senior championship debut against Limerick last June, underwent surgery on a groin injury over the weekend and has been ruled out for four months.
Joe Canning led the way as Galway side edged out Limerick, 2-20 to 1-18, in a hurling challenge match at Athenry on Saturday.
Galway manager Anthony Cunningham used 21 of last year’s All-Ireland-winning under-21s.
Scorers – Galway: J Canning 1-8 (six frees); J Regan 1-0; A Smith, P Brehnoy, S Molloy, N Burke (one free) 0-2 each; R Cummins, D Glennon, T Óg Regan, N Quinn 0-1 each.
Limerick: C Allis 0-6 (five frees); P Browne 0-4; T Quaid 1-1; P O’Brien 0-2; S Tobin, J Ryan, N Moran, T O’Brien, D Breen 0-1 each.
Dr Crokes were crowned Kerry senior club football champions after a 0-14 to 0-6 victory over defending champions Rathmore at Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday.
Inspired by Jamie Doolan and Colm Cooper, who both scored 0-4, Dr Crokes had too much class, guile and scoring power.
Wicklow’s hurlers defeated defending Christy Ring Cup champions Kerry, 2-20 to 2-15, at Arklow on Saturday.
In the weekend’s other Christy Ring Cup games, Meath narrowly defeated London, 4-8 to 3-10, and Down defeated Mayo, 0-19 to 0-17.
