Portumna will hope to shake off injury worries in the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Sunday, when their ambitions to land a second All-Ireland club hurling title in three years are sure to receive a critical examination from Tipperary champions Loughmore-Castleiney.

Much of the build-up has focussed on the fitness of star forward Joe Canning, who damaged his hamstring in a Fitzgibbon Cup tie last Thursday.

But Portumna also have doubts over Mike Gill, while Aidan O'Donnell broke a finger in the league final before Christmas.

If Canning doesn't make it, more pressure will fall on the likes of Damian and Niall Hayes for scores, while at the back, Portumna will look to Joe's brother Ollie to set a captain's example if they hope to nullify the dangerous Loughmore-Castleiney forward line.

Portumna trainer Dinny Cahill will be well aware of the threat posed by his county men. The Tipperary side have experienced inter-county stars in David Kennedy, Paul Ormonde, Evan Sweeney and Michael Webster, while teen prodigy Noel McGrath is earmarked as a Tipp star off the future.

While the lack of a sterner challenge in Portumna's facile wins in the county and Connacht finals might be a concern, in contrast, Loughmore-Castleiney have forged a difficult path to Munster honours.

Having causing something of a surprise in claiming the Tipperary county championship, the Mid-Tipp side overcame Limerick's Adare, Cork's Erin's Own and Clare champions Tulla in tight contests to get this far.

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