Relief for Tipp as Stapleton avoids serious injury

Tipperary have been given a major boost with the news that the injury sustained by defender Paddy Stapleton in Sunday's Allianz Hurling League clash with Cork is not as serious as initially feared.

The match was held up for several minutes as the Borrisoleigh man was treated on the pitch with what, initially at least, appeared to be a serious injury following a collision with Cork full forward Michael Cussen.

After an initial examination it was feared that Stapleton had suffered broken ribs and he was taken straight from Páirc Uí Chaoimh to hospital in Cork.

However, the 25-year-old was released from hospital last night with little more than bruised ribs.

Although it is difficult to tell how long he will be out of action for at this early stage, a Tipperary spokesperson has indicated to www.gaa.ie that Stapleton will be sidelined for no more than a "couple of weeks".

The news will come as a major relief to Tipperary manager Declan Ryan, who is already without Brendan Maher (broken ankle) and Eoin Kelly (broken finger) due to injury.