"It was clear that something was after going wrong"

Philip Mahony runs out for Waterford ahead of the 2012 Munster SHC final ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Philip Mahony recalled the moment his younger brother Pauric's hurling season was brought to a premature end.

When he saw some of his Ballygunner clubmates throw their helmets off, Philip knew there was something seriously wrong.

"I was back down the field so I didn't really see, but I remember seeing a few of them (forwards) reacting weirdly, throwing off the helmets," he explained to The Irish Daily Star.

"It was clear that something was after going wrong. I ran down immediately. There was a bit of hustle and bustle. I initially thought it was a head injury.

"Then Tadhg O'Sullivan (surgeon) came in and said it was his leg. Thankfully enough I didn't look at it because I believe it didn't look great on the ground."

Philip can sympathise with his sibling because he suffered a similar injury 12 months ago.

"My break wasn't as bad as Pauric's. I didn't have to get a plate put down through it as he has to.

"It's just disappointing but as long as he makes a full recovery.

"You know what they say about bones, they heal stronger and he'll have the plate there. I think one of the surgeons said to him that the only way it will break again is if someone takes a sledgehammer to it."