LAST UPDATE | 28 Jul 2022

TIPPERARY STAR DEFENDER Ronan Maher is facing a lengthy lay-off after suffering a leg break while playing for his club Thurles Sarsfields.

It was reported that the two-time All-Ireland-winner had sustained a serious leg injury during his side’s opening round clash of the Tipperary SHC against Borris-Ileigh last weekend.

A spokesperson for the club has since confirmed to the The42 that Maher broke a bone in his leg and is expected to be ruled out for eight to 12 weeks, effectively ruling him out of the remainder of the club championship.

Maher’s absence is a huge blow for the Thurles outfit after his brother Pádraic was forced to retire from hurling earlier this year on medical advice. He has since been added to new Tipperary manager Liam Cahill’s backroom team as a selector.

Thurles Sarsfields reached the final of the Tipperary SHC last year, where they were narrowly edged out by a Loughmore-Castleiney side who completed the football and hurling senior double that day.

Meanwhile, Tipperary forward Séamus Callanan is showing impressive form since returning to play with Drom & Inch following his recovery from a hand injury.

Callanan broke a bone in his hand in early March and was initially expected to miss Tipperary’s first two provincial senior hurling games. But the expected return of the 2019 All-Ireland winning captain was complicated by an infection in his wrist, meaning he missed out on Tipperary’s championship campaign.

Drom & Inch chairman Frank McGrath has explained to The42 that Callanan resumed his club duty in May, and has played six games across the league, mid-Tipperary championship and county championship.

Callanan scored 1-4 for Drom & Inch in their Tipperary SHC opener against Templederry Kenyons, where they came away with an 11-point victory.

“He’s flying it,” says McGrath about Callanan’s impact since his return.

“He was really good, and typical Seamie, he was buzzing around the place and he took some great scores. He was bringing other fellas into the play as well, and it’s really great to have him back because he’s a huge player for us, and always has been.

“We’d really miss him if he wasn’t around, so it’s a great buzz to have him. Outside of what he does on the field, his leadership and the way he speaks to younger players [is brilliant]. It’s easy to say but it really applies to Seamie. He’s the ultimate club man when it comes to on and off the pitch.

“He’s involved in the management of our U21 team, and next week, himself and James Woodlock are running summer GAA camp for the kids in the club. I couldn’t speak highly enough of him. We’re delighted to have him back, and that his injury is clear.

“He’s back now and maybe he’s a bit fresher for having had the break. He’s got the buzz back which is fantastic for us. We’d love to see him in the blue and gold all the time too but it didn’t work out that way this year.”

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