Kilmaley manager PJ Kennedy and Clare County Board have a different version of accounts when it comes to the availability of a stretcher in Cusack Park last Saturday evening.

Clare U21 hurling captain Conor Cleary was carried from the Ennis pitch like "an auld dog", according to his club manager, after sustaining a fractured ankle during Kilmaley's championship clash against Inagh-Kilnamona.

As reported in today's Examiner, Kilmaley manager PJ Kennedy told Clare FM: "He swung out a leg and the other leg went from under him.

"Next thing he let off a bit of a roar. We knew he was in trouble and Rory Hickey, the referee, stopped the match. He went to the sideline and said, 'can somebody get a stretcher?'

"There were stewards standing there. They were all looking at each other and nobody knew anything. There was no stretcher. It was very unsavoury.

"To make a long story short, we carted him off the field the same as if he was an auld dog. It wasn't good enough."

@hoganstandgaa it was out in full view on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/7Nc4kWxCMg

- Gary Collins Photogr (@GaryPhotogr) August 26, 2015

In response, the Clare County Board issued the following statement last night: "It's regrettable that Conor Cleary was injured while playing for Kilmaley in Cusack Park on Saturday.

"Conor is an outstanding Clare hurler and footballer. All in Clare GAA wish him a speedy recovery. Subsequent to his injury Conor was moved from the pitch with the assistance of the Kilmaley physiotherapist.

"Contrary to reports a stretcher was available in Cusack Park on Saturday evening. However upon the advice of the relevant emergency medical services, it was deemed unnecessary for use in this particular case.

"Clare GAA would like to record its gratitude to the ambulance services and HSE for their prompt attention and professional service that they provided."

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