TIPPERARY centre back Colm Bonner looks certain to miss next Sunday's National Hurling League final against Galway, in Limerick, after sustaining a wrist injury on Saturday.

Bonner assisted his club, Cashel King Cormacs, in a successful defence of their All Ireland XIs at Carlow. Bonner played a significant role as his side beat Camross in the quarter final, but he had to cry off for the semi final and final due to a broken bone in his left wrist. The injury seems certain to keep Bonner out of the Tipperary team for Sunday.

It was Cashel's third win in the seven year history of the competition at Carlow. However, the Tipperary side came close to relinquishing their title when they trailed Laois champions Castletown with just two minutes of Saturday's final remaining.

Three splendid long range points from Laois county senior David Cuddy gave his side a 0-3 to 0-1 interval lead. However, with less than two minutes to go, Cashel captain Timmy Moloney crashed a 25 metre free to Castlestown net.