KILKENNY GAA chiefs have confirmed that midfielder Michael Rice will miss next month’s All-Ireland hurling final due to the hand injury he incurred during Sunday’s semi-final victory over Tipperary.
Rice suffered the blow during the first-half in a challenge with Tipperary defender Padraic Maher and was immediately substituted with Dicksboro player Cillian Buckley coming on to replace him. Rice was admitted to Dublin’s St James’s Hospital on Sunday night and it is still unclear whether the Carrickshock player will require surgery.
Rice’s suffered several fractures to his hand but it is the tendon damage which is of most concern as if they are completely ruptured, surgery will be needed to re-attach them and ensure that a full range of movement is restored. The injury is a major setback to the 28 year-old after he had been hampered earlier this year with tendonitis in his knee.
Buckley is the most likely replacement for Rice with the youngster also involved next Saturday with the Kilkenny in the Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC semi-final against Galway in Semple Stadium. The official statement released by the Kilkenny county board on their website earlier today in relation to Rice’s injury read:
Kilkenny midfielder Michael Rice looks set to miss the 2012 All Ireland hurling final after sustaining a serious hand injury in the semi-final against Tipperary. This is most unfortunate for Carrickshock clubman who had shown an excellent return to form having recovered from injury earlier in the season. Kilkenny supporters everywhere will wish Michael a quick and full recovery.
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