McDonald a doubt to face Kilkenny after sustaining thumb injury

WEXFORD forward Conor McDonald faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s eagerly-awaited NHL Division 1 semi-final against Kilkenny after the Naomh Éanna clubman picked up a thumb injury in the Slaneysiders’ win over All-Ireland champions Galway last weekend.

It’s understood that while an X-ray revealed he didn’t suffer a break, there is some ligament damage which means he is considered a doubt for the Innovate Wexford Park clash.

The absence of the in-form McDonald (below) would be a major blow for manager Davy Fitzgerald as he hit 1-3 in the victory over Galway last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Wexford County Board has appointed Éanna Martin as its first commercial manager.

Martin – who has been 12 years on the Wexford senior hurling squad – becomes only the second dedicated commercial manager of a county, after Dublin’s appointment of exfootballer Tomás Quinn in 2014.

Elsewhere, Tyrone’s ever-reliable sweeper Colm Cavanagh has emerged as a doubt to make his side’s Ulster SFC opener against Monaghan on May 20.

The influential Moy powerhouse had to sit out Sunday’s league victory over Kerry due to a quad muscle injury which was sustained during training last Thursday night.

Manager Mickey Harte confirmed that the longserving Cavanagh could be sidelined for up to six weeks, but there are fears locally that he could be sidelined for up to two months.

Following their valiant defeat to Cuala in the All-Ireland Club SHC final replay, Na Piarsaigh are on the look-out for a new manager following the decision of Shane O’Neill to step down.

O’Neill, who led them to All-Ireland glory in 2016, was in charge of his native club for four years.