Seamus Flanagan says that he’ll be back to full fitness “in the next week or two” after his hamstring tear was not as serious as first thought.
The Limerick full-forward suffered the injury in last month’s win over Waterford, ruling him out of the Munster final against Clare as they completed a record six-in-a-row in his absence.
But with Limerick now up on blocks until the All-Ireland semi-final against as yet unknown opponents on July 7, he’ll be available for selection again by the time that game comes around.
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He explained: “It is harder to get back for Munster. Games coming thick and fast. I’m back on the pitch now this week. Please God, back hurling soon.”
Recalling the incident when he suffered the injury, Flanagan said: “I made a dart left. I’d made five or six runs before that. I felt warmed up. I landed with my left leg and felt something go.
“It wasn’t a full tear. A grade two tear and it was downgraded to a grade one. Should be good to go in the next week or two.”
While disappointed to have missed the Munster final, Flanagan was philosophical about it in the context of Peter Casey’s season-ending ankle injury in the second round win over Tipperary, with teammates rallying around him while the cup was presented last Sunday.
“It’s short-term. For Peter, it is heartbreaking really. Coming back fresh from a cruciate to have this horror injury happen. Mike [Casey] has been through the wringer with knees as well. Hamstrings, things like that.
“It is tough on the family. I know his mother Helen really well. My wife does as well. But I don’t know if you saw the picture of the lads sitting with him afterwards, it just goes to show the camaraderie and bond that is there.”
Sunday’s six-point win over Clare was one of the more straightforward Munster final wins that Limerick have enjoyed in recent years, with the game being pushed back by 30 minutes due to a power cut not appearing to affect them in any way as Flanagan recalled the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final win over Waterford in similar circumstances when bales of hay falling on the M7 caused major traffic issues.
“The famous bale of hay,” he said. “The game got pushed back a half hour as well. You get back in, reassess, go through your routine again. Get the warm-up done. I know the boys had been out so I think they just carried on their routine. The lads are professional enough, it is only half an hour enough.
“It is fairly chilled and carefree. You get the gels and jellies, water and sports drink. I don’t think there is anyone pedantic about routine.”
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