Timely Fitness Boosts For Munster
There is encouraging news from the Munster camp with injured backs Anthony Horgan and Barry Murphy battling their way back to fitness ahead of the start of the Heineken Cup campaign.
Winger Horgan, who missed last Sunday’s league defeat to the Ospreys, is hoping to be back in contention for a starting place for next week’s visit to Glasgow, while centre Murphy is continuing his recovery from an ankle operation. He has played twice for UL Bohemians in recent weeks.
Shannon clubman Mossy Lawlor has also resumed light training, while John Kelly, who is continuing to coach the UCC backs this season, and Cork Constitution star Denis Hurley are both two weeks off a return to training with Munster.
Hurley has been sidelined since injurying his ankle in the province’s win over the US Eagles in August, while young Shannon lock Donncha Ryan, having had the cast removed from his hand, is on schedule to return in four weeks’ time.
One man who will not be back in Munster red until March is back rower John O’Sullivan who damaged a cruciate ligament in the game against the USA.
The Tralee man has undergone surgery and is back in the gym rehabbing under the watchful eye of Strength and Conditioning coach Aiden O’Connell who has been delighted with O’Sullivan’s attitude and application.
“John is progressing really well and is a superbly dedicated athlete. There is nothing you ask of him he won’t do. He’s not only working to get himself back but he is also prepared to help in team preparation as well. We’re looking at March time for his return,” O’Connell said.