Walsh losing battle to make Treaty clash

WALTER WALSH is unlikely to win his fitness battle for this Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final with Limerick after the Kilkenny attacker limped out of last week’s Leinster final replay.

The towering Tullogher Rosbercon forward, 27, was withdrawn after just 17 minutes last Sunday with a groin injury and is understood to be a major doubt as Brian Cody’s men have just seven days’ preparation for the Treaty clash.

With the Cats’ starting forwards hitting just 1-3 from play against the Tribesmen, Walsh’s loss would be a huge setback with former Hurler of the Year Richie Hogan or Colin Fennelly likely to benefit from his absence.