Injured Waterford footballer Tommy Prendergast is living on just €188 a week.

The Kilrossanty midfielder is awaiting a scan, which will precede an operation on his shoulder (possibly in April) and he will miss the entire intercounty season as a five-month rehabilitation period is required.

In the meantime, the Deise player - a fitter by trade - is unable to work and is having to survive on sickness benefit. He confirmed to the Examiner:

"I'm playing snooker at the moment - trying to pass the day. I can't work, the arm isn't able. I'm on sick benefit, with a cert off the doctor every week. It's €188 a week I'm living on, just tipping away.

"You can't go too mad with that. I'm surviving, just about, and it's better than nothing. I'm living at home, which isn't too bad but I have to give my mam a few bob.

"They only do the scan once a month or every five or six weeks. I'm waiting for a phone call in the next few weeks.

"There are two lads in my club with the same consultant. One of them got the scan but was told that he would be waiting two months for an operation. So if he's waiting two months, I'll be the same. Hopefully it's keyhole but if they have to open me up again, I'll be out for longer." Tweet

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