Paul Costelloe's dreams of lining out for St. Lachtain's in next month's All-Ireland club IHC final have been dashed by a cruciate ligament injury.

The long-serving wing back, who has represented Kilkenny at intermediate level, suffered the devastating injury in the Freshford club's semi-final victory over Limerick's South Liberties last Sunday, and will now miss the All-Ireland final against St. Gall's of Antrim in Croke Park on February 13.

Costelloe's club-mate and Kilkenny star Michael Kavanagh told the Irish Examiner: "You could see straight away that Paul was in agony.

"And we immediately knew that his injury was of a very serious nature. It's a cruel blow for Paul to miss the most important match in St. Lachtain's history. He has been playing for the senior team for about 10 years, and he's a lad you could always reply on to give 100 per cent.

"He made a huge contribution to us winning the Kilkenny intermediate title last year, and to getting to the All-Ireland final." Tweet

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