Waterford’s Conor Prunty faced a fitness race in time for the Munster SHC clash with Limerick. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Davy Fitzgerald is sweating on the fitness of Conor Prunty heading into Sunday’s do-or-die Munster SHC showdown against Limerick with the All-Star defender believed to be only 50-50 to feature.
Prunty has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons and having somewhat curtailed Cork danger man Alan Connolly in their opening round victory over the Rebels, he was then forced off early against Tipperary.
The Abbeyside defender picked up a quad injury which has been slow to heal and Waterford legend Dan Shanahan insists that his availability against the all-conquering Treaty in the Gaelic Grounds could make the difference.
“He’s a natural full-back and he’ll always be around the square,” Shanahan told the Irish Independent. “Clare wouldn’t have got the four goals last Sunday if he was there and we will need him fit to play Limerick.”
Fitzgerald already looks set to be without Darragh Lyons, man-of-the-match against Tipperary, after he hobbled off against Clare with a hamstring injury while Patrick Curran is also a huge doubt after picking up a heavy knock against the Banner.
Midfielder Neil Montgomery, who missed the Clare tie, is also facing a race against time to feature in a game where the Déise require a draw to secure qualification while victory would book their Munster final place, as well as sensationally knocking Limerick out of the championship.