Worry for Mike Casey as All-Ireland winner forced off in Munster semi-final with injury

The star defender missed both of Limerick’s 2020 and ’21 All-Ireland victories through injury.

There are injury concerns surrounding Limerick and Na Piarsaigh star Mike Casey after the star defender was forced from the action in yesterday’s Munster Club SHC semi-final.

Late in the game, Casey went down injured and was helped off the field whilst looking distressed in the TUS Gaelic Grounds. Heading out for a ball in the 52nd minute, Casey fell to the ground and immediately clutched his right knee. The Na Piarsaigh medical team came to his aid as he was substituted from the game.

The defender has suffered a testing 24 months after rupturing his ACL in October 2020 prior to the start of the All-Ireland Championship. He briefly returned for his club the following summer but suffered further injury, this time with the cartilage. He missed the entirety of the 2021 campaign as Limerick retained their All-Ireland title.

He finally made his return to the Limerick side earlier this year after three surgeries when he played his part in the county’s first win of the season, a comprehensive League victory over Offaly in the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

He then started Limerick’s championship opener with Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh after he was initially named among the replacements. The Na Piarsaigh man was an ever-present at full-back as Limerick completed the three in a row as he was nominated for an All-Star for the third time.

That honour alluded him but he was instrumental as Na Piarsaigh won back their Limerick SHC title against then holders Kilmallock last month.

Yesterday, with Casey needing attention, Ballygunner stretched their lead to three points as they ran out eventual 2-20 to 2-15 victors.

There has been no official word on the nature of the setback but all will hope it is just minor for a player that has already suffered too much by way of injury.

Na Piarsaigh raced out of the blocks and hit the first three scores against the defending All-Ireland champions as they opened a 0-6 to 0-3 lead. A Dessie Hutchinson goal briefly halted their momentum but green flags from Keith Dempsey and Conor Boylan had them 2-11 to 1-9 clear at the break. Patrick Fitzgerald netted to bring Ballygunner level as they showed their experience to hold out the Limerick champions.