Tipperary’s Noel McGrath to have surgery for testicular cancer

Two-time Tipperary All Star Noel McGrath is set to miss out on the remainder of the 2015 season, he will undergo surgery for testicular cancer on Friday.

The Loughmore-Castleiney forward had been prominent in Tipperary's Allianz League progress to date, among the scorers in the quarter final win over Offaly little over two weeks ago and he was featuring for his club up to last weekend. Tipp play Waterford in Sunday's semi-final.

In a statement released on Wednesday morning the Tipperary county board wished the 2009 Young Hurler of the Year their best in his recovery.

“The Tipperary senior hurling squad, senior hurling management, Tipperary County Board and all Tipperary supporters wish Noel well during this time and look forward to welcoming him back in the Tipperary colours in due course.

“We ask everyone to respect the privacy of Noel and his family at this time and in the coming weeks.”

At just 24 McGrath already has All-Ireland titles at all grades, headed by his maiden senior success in 2010.

He is not the first GAA player in recent years to have been diagnosed with cancer; nine years ago Cork's Joe Deane was sidelined for six months while undergoing treatment, with former Mayo midfielder Ronan McGarrity sidelined for a similar spell in 2007.

While all involved will be wishing McGrath a speedy recovery, the set-up have already been boosted by the news that Lar Corbett will return to the fold at training this Wednesday evening.