LIMERICK hurler Darragh O’Donovan could be set to miss the remainder of the Allianz League after suffering a broken finger.

By Jerome O’Connell Limerick Leader Sport

Limerick are also sweating on the fitness of ace free-taker Aaron Gillane ahead of the visit of Dublin to the Gaelic Grounds this Saturday (7.00).

Definitely ruled out, as well as O’Donovan, are long termed injured duo Kyle Hayes and Barry Nash.

The injury up-date is better on Declan Hannon, Graeme Mulcahy and William O’Meara who will be in contention for their first league action of the season after missing the wins over Laois and Offaly through injury.

All three played some part in an in-house training match on Saturday.

“Unfortunately Darragh will be ruled out for a number of weeks. It’s really disappointing for him because he was showing great form and working really hard,” confirmed Limerick manager John Kiely of the O’Donovan broken finger.

”Aaron rolled his ankle in the Offaly game and is still rehabbing – he is 50/50,” he said of Gillane, who missed Mary Immaculate College’s Fitzgibbon Cup quarter final defeat last Tuesday due to the injury.

Limerick have started the same team in both Division 1B league games to-date but with O’Donovan definitely ruled out John Kiely and his backroom team will be forced into at least one change for the visit of Dublin.

Limerick are facing into three successive weekends of games to conclude their Division 1B campaign. After Saturday’s tie with Dublin under the floodlights of the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick are away to Antrim and Galway – the final round March 3 game in Salthill a likely promotion decider with the All Ireland champions.

Then there will be a league quarter final tie on March 10 against one of the top four sides in Division 1A.

Ahead of Saturday game, which is live on eir Sport, the Limerick management will monitor the fitness of players due in Fitzgibbon Cup action this week.

”The Fitzgibbon Cup is down to it’s concluding stages so numbers for inter-county training are increasing and it’s easier with more bodies. It means guys are looking over their shoulders and everything is more competitive,” said John Kiely.

”It’s in the melting pot but we will continue to take it game by game,” he said of Division 1B, where Limerick and Galway both have a 100%.