Waterford hoping McGrath can still play a part

Waterford's most influential forward Ken McGrath may miss Sunday's Munster hurling semi-final with Cork because of a shoulder injury.

The injury occurred during a final challenge game with Dublin over the weekend, and has left McGrath with around a 50 per cent chance of starting the game in Thurles.

Manager Justin McCarthy is still hopeful McGrath may be able to play some role as Waterford seek their first championship win over Cork in 13 years.

But his absence would mean a significant dent to their chances, and more so considering Cork now welcome back Joe Deane and are at full strength.

Both counties will select teams this evening, and McCarthy's worries don't end with McGrath. Wing back Brian Greene is almost certain to be ruled out after suffering damaging ankle ligaments in a club game last week.

Greene was away for last year's championship, when Waterford lost to Limerick in the semi-final, but had been figuring prominently during the league.

And Waterford has also suffered the recent retirement of two long serving defenders - full back Seán Cullinane and half back Stephen Frampton.

The news on McGrath then couldn't have come at a worse time. His injured left arm is currently in a sling, which rules him out of all planned training ahead of the game and, although he is getting intensive treatment, it appears time may be against him.

McGrath has been one of Waterford's key attackers for the past three years, mainly in the half-forward line where he has played in all three different positions.

The Mount Sion clubman is also their top free-taker, and was back to his sharpest in recent weeks after some notable injuries in the past.

In Waterford's final league game against Clare, which they lost by a point, McGrath was top scorer, collecting eight points.

Two summers ago, McGrath suffered a crippling ankle injury after just 10 minutes in their encounter with Tipperary, but still played on before eventually retiring after scoring three points.

He is also remembered as a key member of the side which took Clare to a replay in the '98 Munster final before eventually losing to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Bertie Óg Murphy sounded a lot more content yesterday as he attempts to take Cork back to into the Munster final, and a meeting with the winners of Tipperary v Limerick.

The Cork manager will welcome back Joe Deane and Alan Browne, who have both put their recent injury concerns behind them, and Murphy reckoned both players would feature in the game on Sunday.

Fergal McCormack is also back in contention after an absent spell because of an operation.

Three other hurling championship games are set for the weekend, including Dublin's Leinster meeting with Meath in Tullamore - part of an all-ticket double-header with Offaly and Laois in the football.

The hurling winners progress to meet Wexford in the Leinster semi-final on June 9th, while the losers enter the new All-Ireland qualifiers on June 15th.

Interestingly, Meath have never beaten Dublin in their 12 previous championship meetings.

Both Ulster semi-finals also take place, with defending champions Derry meeting Down in Casement Park on Saturday and Antrim playing in New York.

In football, Kildare open their championship campaign in Navan with a difficult test against Louth.

Manager Mick O'Dwyer will name a team tonight, and the only major injury concern is over goalkeeper Christy Byrne (thigh), who may give way to Enda Murphy, who actually took the responsibilities for most of the league.

Minor injuries to Glen Ryan and Michael Wright have cleared up, and Dermot Earley is also back to full training. Opponents Louth report no major injury worries and will select from a full panel.