McGrath ruled out of Clare clash

Waterford’s Ken McGrath

Waterford’s hopes of retaining their Munster SHC crown have suffered a massive blow with the news that Ken McGrath will miss Sunday week’s opening defence against Clare.

The star centre back sustained a knee injury during the team’s training camp in Portugal last week and requires keyhole surgery to repair the damage. Stephen Molumphy and Seamus Prendergast also picked up knocks while training and are rated as doubtful for the Gaelic Grounds showdown.

Paul Flynn and Eoin Murphy have been ruled out for a few weeks now, while Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan and ace freetaker Eoin Kelly are facing a race against time to be fit for the Deise’s opening defence.