Tipperary hurler Noel McGrath to undergo surgery for testicular cancer

The Tipperary Gaelic Athletics Association County Board has confirmed that hurler Noel McGrath will undergo surgery to treat testicular cancer.

In a statement the board wished the forward well.

The statement said: “Noel McGrath will undergo surgery for testicular cancer on Friday April 17.

"The Tipperary senior hurling squad, senior hurling management, Tipperary County Board and all Tipperary supporters wish Noel well during this time and look forward to welcoming him back in the Tipperary colors in due course.

"We ask everyone to respect the privacy of Noel and his family at this time and in the coming weeks."

McGrath (24) has won All Ireland titles with Tipperary at Senior, Under 21 and Minor levels. He is considered one of the best corner forwards in the game. He has two All Star awards and an All-Ireland winner's medal from Tipp's 2010 triumph.

He will now be absent from the Premier County's league semi-final clash, with Waterford, on Sunday. Also Seamus Callanan, Cathal Barrett and John McGrath will not be playing. Lar Corbett was expected to return to training on Thursday night after undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury.