INJURY has robbed a St Lachtain's (Freshford) player of what would have been the finest moment in his sporting career.
A horrific knee injury suffered in the battling All-Ireland club semi-final victory over South Liberties (Limerick) has cost swashbuckling defender, Paul Costelloe his place on the team for the intermediate hurling final on Saturday week.
"In term
s of my hopes and wishes, this is a disaster," said Costelloe when he confirmed that he will be a non-starter against St Gall's (Antrim) in Croke Park.
"This was my big chance to play in Croke Park, and it is gone. I was so looking forward to it. I have been playing for 14 years with the Lachtain's intermediate team. Playing in a final in Croke Park with the club would have been better than a dream.
Chance gone
"Now the chance is gone. I am 30 years of age and I don't think I will get another opportunity."
The teak tough wing-back suffered awful damage to his left knee during an accidental clash in the second half of the semi-final. The cruciate and medial ligaments in the knee were severed. The cartilage was ruptured and there was severe bruising to the bone.
"The damage is bad, very bad," Paul admitted.
The player was brought for a consultation with top orthopaedic consultant/surgeon Dr Tadhg Crowley within 24 hours of receiving the injury, and a scan revealed full extent of the damage.
It could be six to eight weeks before the player can be operated on to repair the damage becaus e of severe swelling in the knee area.
Real warrior
"This is a serious blow for Paul and the team," insisted St Lachtain's selector, Mick McCarthy. "Paul is a real warrior in the toughest of tests. He always leads from the front. This is an awful setback for him.
"He was outstanding since the start of the league in Kilkenny last year, and he had a great Leinster championship. Hopefully Paul's disappointment can be turned into a positive and it will make the rest of the lads doubly determined to win for him and themselves."
The surgeon has told the player that he faces a tough period of recuperation after the operation. With luck, and barring any setbacks, he could be back in action in late September.
Look to future
"I will be back," Paul insisted. "I felt my form was good and I had attained a good level of fitness, perhaps the best of my career. It is amazing that such a small thing like that clash could cause so much damage. I can only look to the future now."
Paul's misfortune could open the door for colleague Niall Phelan, who replaced him in the semi-final, to launch his career against after a bad injury. Phelan broke his neck in the opening minutes of Lachtain's first match of the season, a challenge against Ballygunner (Waterford).
Phelan got the all clear from doctors after Christmas to resume playing. His short stint in the semi was his first taste of competitive action in nearly a year.
