Helmet pull incident could land Gleeson in hot water
AUSTIN GLEESON could be in hot water over a suspected helmet pull during Waterford’s epic Munster SHC draw with Tipperary last Sunday.
It was an eventful day for the 2016 Hurler of the Year – who was the focal point for Jason Forde’s phantom Premier goal – but the 22-year-old was also involved in a dangerous second-half incident with Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher.
Gleeson looked to have pulled the helmet from the Tipperary attacker with his hand after a tussle between the pair but referee Alan Kelly – who came under fire from Deise supporters for a series of controversial decisions – took no action.
It remains to be seen whether the incident will be noted in Kelly’s report and given the furore surrounding Forde’s goal, Gleeson could avoid punishment and be available for their remaining provincial ties with Limerick and Cork.
The Mount Sion maestro was lucky to avoid a one-match ban for a similar incident in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final victory over Cork when he pulled Luke Meade’s helmet off his head.
CRUCIAL
Sunday’s opponents Limerick are expected to have Seamus Flanagan fit for the crucial Munster SHC tie at the Gaelic Grounds despite hobbling out of the Treaty’s epic draw with Cork on Saturday evening.
The picture is not so clear on Declan Hannon, however, with the Limerick captain mysteriously substituted after seven minutes against the Rebels and manager John Kiely noting of his injury, “I’ve no further comment on that. None. Sorry.”
Elsewhere, All-Ireland champions Galway look set to make wholesale changes for their dead rubber Leinster SHC clash with Dublin this Saturday in Pearse Stadium (7.0).
Having already qualified for the Leinster decider. Micheal Donoghue has the luxury of running the rule over many of his fringe players with Joe Canning unlikely to feature.
Canning took a bang to his knee in Saturday’s victory over Wexford but it is not thought to be serious. Johnny Glynn also tweaked his hamstring but should be fully fit for the Leinster final on July 1. Colm Callanan’s return remains on ice, however, as the Kinvara net minder struggles to overcome a series of muscle problems.