Diarmaid Byrnes (pictured above right) and William O’Donoghue will not start for Limerick against Clare in Sunday's Sunday’s Munster SHC semi final.

Limerick boss John Kiely has confirmed that injury rules the duo out of contention for starting roles in Thurles.

The Limerick Leader reports that Gearoid Hegarty is rated at 50-50 for the Shannonside derby.

”It has been an on-going saga with injuries – it’s a pity really because we would all love to have a clean bill of health come championship,” said Limerick manager John Kiely this Monday.

“It is what it it and we just have to get on with it,” said Kiely.

Speaking to The Limerick Leader, Kiely said, “Our form is really good. What we want for Sunday is to be the best team that we can be. I’ve no doubt that preparation has gone well and we have improved constantly and will continue to do so even after Sunday."

“This is a very ambitious bunch of young fellas – lads who know it is to be successful and know what is needed to be successful. There are no easy games in the Munster Championship and we are up against an experienced Clare side that are together about five years and have numerous U-21 title and the 2013 All Ireland SHC,” outlined Kiely.

“They have some excellent hurlers and some household names – we might not have those household names now but I am confident we will in the months and years ahead.”