The Newcastle West man underwent an operation this Wednesday to have a pin inserted in his hand after he sustained a broken bone while playing for Shannon in rugby’s All-Ireland League final last Saturday in Thomond Park.
The sporting all-rounder sustained the injury to his right hand towards the end of the second half in the win over Clontarf.
Kelly was due to play with his native Newcastle West within hours of the rugby final, but the hand injury prevented him from lining out with the Magpies in the Limerick’s Live 95FM sponsored county senior football championship win over Claughaun.
Limerick senior football manager Mickey Ned O’Sullivan has confirmed that Kelly will miss the May 24 clash with John Evan’s league champions in Semple Stadium Thurles: “We won’t know until after the operation how long exactly he will be out for, but Stephen will certainly miss the Tipperary game.”
Kelly missed last week’s challenge game against Wexford, but was expected to be in contention for a starting berth at wing-forward.
Adding to the concerns of Mickey Ned and selectors; Joe Redington and Paddy Ivess are injuries to Ballysteen defensive pair Shane Gallagher and Pa Ranahan.
Ranahan is suffering with a hamstring strain and was unable to play for his club in last weekend’s championship win over Adare. Gallagher did play in that game, but sustained a shoulder injury.
Both are set to receive treatment for the next week in the hope that they will be available for selection when Limerick announce their team after training on Tuesday night next.
“We have a few niggling injuries as always, but we would be hopeful that everyone will make it - except of course for Stephen,” said Mickey Ned O’Sullivan.
Limerick and Tipperary had very different league campaigns - Limerick were relegated from Division Three while Tipperary were crowned champions.
Still the bookies have marked up Limerick as 10/11 favourites with John Evans’ side available at 11/10.
Ahead of the Tipperary game on Sunday week, which has a 3.30pm start, the Munster Council have unveiled a new cost-saving ticket package. By purchasing a ticket package, supporters will receive a €10 discount on the admission price. The package will be available for a charge of €40 and entitle the holder to entry to the football game on May 24 and to the Limerick v Waterford Munster senior hurling championship sem-final on June 14.
Justin McCarthy will continue with preparations for the provincial hurling semi-final with a challenge game against Cork this Saturday evening (7pm). The game will take place in Castletownroche to mark the official opening of their new club facilities.
Jerome O’Connell
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