Barry Nash emerges as a serious doubt for Limerick ahead of All-Ireland semi-final against Cork

Limerick defender Barry Nash has emerged as a major doubt for the Treaty's All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Cork on Sunday as they bid to move one step closer to a famous five-in-a-row.

Nash, a two-time All-Star, has been an ever-present at corner-back since moving there for the 2020 season but the South Liberties clubman is understood to have recently picked up a hamstring injury in training.

That means that the 27-year-old, who has played every minute of this year's championship so far, is unlikely to be able to take his place in their eagerly-awaited semi-final rematch with the Rebels, who beat them in a classic group in May.

It is believed that John Kiely will give Nash every chance to prove his fitness before the weekend, but there is better news for the Limerick boss as he welcomes some big names back into the fold.

Should Nash miss out as expected, he will likely be replaced by four-time All-Star defender Seán Finn, who was fit for their Munster final win against Clare a month ago but couldn't force his way into the match-day 26 after overcoming a hamstring injury.

Séamus Flanagan, another hamstring victim after hobbling off in their final round-robin game against Waterford, also comes back into contention having missed their provincial six-in-a-row.

It looks like Flanagan and young gun Shane O'Brien, who fired 0-2 on his first championship start in the Munster decider, will do battle for a place in the full-forward line while Kiely also has other crucial players in contention elsewhere.

Doon duo Darragh O'Donovan and All-Star corner-back Richie English both made their first appearance in a championship match-day squad this season against the Banner and O'Donovan, in particular, is expected to push close for a starting berth in midfield.

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